Personal care composition

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are personal care compositions comprising a fibrous material of natural origin and obtained from plants. The fibrous material comprises micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomerates. Such compositions show pleasant skin feel and comfort during and after application, as well as fast drying and fast absorption into skin. The compositions obtained are also particularly well suited for the topical delivery of cosmetic and pharmaceutical active substances into skin. Additionally, a method to obtain said personal care composition is disclosed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a personal care composition as well asto a method for producing such a personal care composition. Suchpersonal care compositions are for example used in skin and hair carefor example in the form of gels, cream-gels, soaps, shampoos, make-up,gel masks and the like.

PRIOR ART

A large variety of personal care compositions for use in skin and haircare is known. Personal care compositions are usually applied topicallyfor cosmetic, cosmeceutical or pharmaceutical purposes. Desiredproperties of personal care compositions include, inter alia, a pleasantskin feel and comfort during and after application as well as fastdrying properties. Thus, fast absorption by the skin and excellentfilm-forming properties are important characteristics of personal carecompositions.

Many personal care compositions contain natural and/or synthetic fibersdue to their numerous beneficial sensory features, such as a pleasantapplication on skin, a minimal wet feeling, a slight cooling effect, theabsence of greasiness as well as the absence of a tacky feeling.Furthermore, fibers can be used as a binding ingredient and usually havegood drying properties and in many cases have an anti-irritant effect onthe skin.

EP 1 243 250 discloses the use of fibers as an anti-irritant ingredientin cosmetic or dermatological compositions. A broad selection isproposed, including synthetic fibers and fibers of natural origin.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,342,237 B1 discloses a make-up composition in which afiber is combined with an aqueous dispersion of at least onefilm-forming polymer.

WO 99/20241 A1, U.S. Pat. No. 6,534,071 B1, EP 1 245 223 A1 and WO2016/166179 A1 also each disclose the use of cellulose fibrils inpersonal care compositions. The fibrils present in these compositionsare individually isolated and separated from each other, which requirehomogenization of the composition by means of a high-shear or ahigh-pressure homogenization means.

Further, personal care compositions are known comprisingmicrocrystalline cellulose. Microcrystalline cellulose is generated bysubjecting cellulose to pure acid hydrolysis. Amorphous regions ofmicrofibrillated cellulose are selectively hydrolysed as they are moresusceptible to being attacked by acids compared to the crystallinedomains. Consequently, these microfibrils break down in shortercrystalline parts with a high degree of crystallinity In contrast,microfibrillated cellulose still consists of amorphous and crystallineregions (Adv. Nat. Sci.: Nanosci. Nanotechnol. 7 (2016), 035004).

Actually, in many cases and especially when using the fibrils asdescribed in the state of the art listed above, the compositionsobtained do not provide the desired skin feel and comfort duringapplication, but are characterized by a wet feeling, long drying timesand the occurrence of pilling when applied to the skin. These undesiredproperties have made the implementation of natural fibrils in personalcare slow and difficult.

Furthermore, EP 0 819 787 A2 discloses the general use of cellulosefibrils having a certain length and diameter as a mixing stabilizer in alarge variety of applications. The use of the fibrils in personal carecompositions, however, is not disclosed in this document.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a personal carecomposition which has improved properties with respect to itsapplication to skin and/or to hair, in particular as concerns thefeeling as sensed by the user.

This object is solved by a personal care composition as claimed in claim1. Further preferred embodiments of the composition are provided independent claims 2 to 12. A method for producing such a personal carecomposition is claimed in claim 13, and a further preferred embodimentof this method is provided in the dependent claims 14 and 15.

The present invention provides a personal care composition comprising afibrous material of natural origin and obtained from plants, wherein thefibrous material comprises micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibrilagglomerates.

The provision of the fibrous material comprising the micro-scaled and/ornano-scaled fibril agglomerates in the personal care composition resultsin a well-structured and non-irritant personal care composition withgood drying properties.

Furthermore, it has been found that the personal care compositionaccording to the present invention shows a good compatibility with abroad selection of known cosmetic and pharmaceutical ingredients, andthat the formulation of these cosmetic and pharmaceutical ingredientsmay be performed without the aid of high shear rotor-stator or highpressure homogenizers, and without requiring heating at any time of theformulation process.

The fibrous material comprises micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibrilagglomerates, which means that the individual fibers and in particularthe micro fibrils of the original cellulose material are comminuted andare present at least partially or completely separated from each other,wherein the separated micro fibrils in particular form fibrilagglomerates due to mutual association. The average lengths of theseagglomerates are indicated further below. The micro fibrils beingpresent within the fibril agglomerates are completely separated from theoriginal fiber structure of the cellulose and are interconnected witheach other due to mutual adherence, such that they form a commonstructure, in particular a network.

Within the micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomerates, theindividual micro fibrils are strongly interacting, which means that thedissociation of the fibrils constituting the agglomerates from eachother would require the use of e.g. a high-pressure homogenizer,typically by passing a dispersion of a liquid, which preferably is anaqueous medium, and of the fibrous material comprising the micro-scaledand/or nano-scaled fibril agglomerates several times through saidhigh-pressure homogenizer. Such high-pressure homogenizer conditions areusually not applied to the personal care compositions in the context ofthe present invention.

As already mentioned, due to the presence of the micro-scaled and/ornano-scaled fibril agglomerates, the personal care composition has gooddrying properties. In particular, it was noticed, that the compositionis fast drying, and a fast absorption is taking place. Furthermore, thepersonal care composition normally has good film-forming properties.Under “fast drying” is preferably meant a drying process that is fastenough, so that the perception of a wet skin feeling disappears withinabout 30 seconds, more particularly within about 20 seconds after thecomposition has been applied to the skin. Under “fast absorption” ispreferably meant that the composition does not leave any noticeableresidues on skin after about 20 seconds, more particularly after about10 seconds, wherein the presence of residues is typically associatedwith an oily feeling, a fatty feeling, a tacky feeling or the sensationof material build-up on the skin. Under “film-forming properties” ispreferably meant the ability of the composition to form a film upondrying, said film conferring a smooth, silky aspect to the skin or tothe hair and providing the user with the impression of an enhancedprotective action of the composition against environmental nuisances.

In a further development of the invention, the micro-scaled and/ornano-scaled fibril agglomerates, more preferably the fibrous material,and even more preferably the personal care composition, is substantiallyfree of visible isolated fibrils, in particular completely free ofvisible isolated fibrils. It has been found that by the absence ofvisible isolated fibrils in the micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibrilagglomerates, more preferably in the fibrous material, and even morepreferably in the personal care composition, a particularly silky feelof the personal care composition on the skin can be achieved. This feelcan also be noticed in a composition that is used for hair care, forexample when spreading the product in the hair with the hands. The userhas the impression of an enhanced protective action of the compositionagainst environmental nuisances.

Preferably, the personal care composition is meant to be “substantiallyfree of visible isolated fibrils”, if essentially all possibly presentfibrils in the personal care composition are associated into micro-and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomerates. In particular, the personal carecomposition is meant to be “substantially free of visible isolatedfibrils”, if the visible isolated fibrils represent preferably no morethan 5 percent, more preferably no more than 1 percent, of the totalnumber of the visible particles of the personal care composition.

Preferably, the fibrous material is meant to be “substantially free ofvisible isolated fibrils”, if essentially all possibly present fibrilsin the fibrous material are associated into micro- and/or nano-scaledfibril agglomerates. In particular, the fibrous material is meant to be“substantially free of visible isolated fibrils”, if the visibleisolated fibrils represent preferably no more than 5 percent, morepreferably no more than 1 percent, of the total number of the visibleparticles of the fibrous material.

Preferably, the micro- and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomerates are meantto be “substantially free of visible isolated fibrils”, if essentiallyall possibly present fibrils in the micro- and/or nano-scaled fibrilagglomerates are associated into the micro- and/or nano-scaled fibrilagglomerates. In particular, the micro- and/or nano-scaled fibrilagglomerates are meant to be substantially free of visible isolatedfibrils, if the visible isolated fibrils represent preferably no morethan 5 percent, more preferably no more than 1 percent of the totalnumber of the visible micro- and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomerates.

Isolated fibrils are meant to be visible, if they can easily beidentified as such, when the material is observed by means of anelectron microscope, such as a transmission electron microscope, orscanning electron microscope at a magnification of 10′000 and aresolution of 100 nanometers.

Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the remarkablesensory features mentioned hereinabove are linked at least partially tothe fact that the composition comprises the micro-scaled and/ornano-scaled fibril agglomerates. These sensory features are furtherenhanced if the composition is substantially free of visible isolatedfibrils, preferably completely free of visible isolated fibrils. Suchcompositions usually have a water retention and a water release behaviorthat is in many cases favorable with respect to its use in personal careproducts.

The average length of the micro-scaled fibril agglomerates is preferablyin the range of 500 nm-1000 μm, more preferably in the range of 500nm-600 μm, even more preferably in the range of 500 nm-200 μm. Theaverage length of the nano-scaled fibril agglomerates is preferably inthe range of 10 nm to 500 nm. The assessment of the average length ofthe micro-scaled fibril agglomerates is preferably carried out by meansof the standard ISO 13322-2, 1. Edition of Nov. 1, 2006 which isincorporated herein as reference. Personal care compositions comprisingsuch micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomerates have especiallygood properties.

Preferably at least 1%, more preferably at least 10%, even morepreferably at least 20%, even more preferably at least 40%, even morepreferably at least 50%, even more preferably at least 60%, even morepreferably at least 70%, even more preferably at least 80%, even morepreferably at least 90%, most preferably 100% of the total number ofparticles of the fibrous material comprise an average length in therange of 500 nm-1000 μm, more preferably in the range of 500 nm-600 μm,even more preferably in the range of 500 nm-200 μm. The particles of thefibrous material not only comprise the micro-scaled and/or nano-scaledfibril agglomerates, but also possibly present fibrils as well aspossibly further constituents of the fibrous material. Said percentagesof the average lengths are preferably determined by the standard ISO13322-2, 1. Edition of Nov. 1, 2006. Personal care compositionscomprising such a fibrous material have especially good properties.

Preferably at least 1%, more preferably at least 10%, even morepreferably at least 20%, even more preferably at least 40%, even morepreferably at least 50%, even more preferably at least 60%, even morepreferably at least 70%, even more preferably at least 80%, even morepreferably at least 90%, most preferably 100% of the total number ofparticles of the fibrous material comprises an average length in therange of 10 nm-500 nm. Personal care compositions comprising such afibrous material have especially good properties.

The fibrous material comprising the micro-scaled and/or nano-scaledfibril agglomerates comprises preferably a surface of 40-450 m²/g, morepreferably a surface of 50-400 m²/g, even more preferably a surface of60-400 m²/g, most preferably a surface of 80-350 m²/g. Personal carecompositions comprising such a fibrous material have especially goodproperties. For the measuring of said surface, preferably the followingmethod comprising the steps “Sample preparation I”, “Sample preparationII” and “Performance of the nitrogen adsorption measuring/calculation ofthe surface of the fibrous material comprising the micro-scaled and/ornano-scaled fibril agglomerates” is used:

Sample Preparation I

About 20 g of a fiber dispersion comprising 2 wt % of the fibrousmaterial comprising the micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibrilagglomerates are weighted into a 50 ml Falcon tube. Ethanol (94%) isadded till the volume of 50 ml of the Falcon tube is reached. Afterthat, the content of the Falcon tube is mixed by means of a vortexmixer. After that, the sample is centrifugated by means of a centrifuge(e.g. Typ Hettich Rotina 380 mit 6-fach Winkelrotor 45°) at 5000 1/minduring 10 minutes. After that, the filtrate is removed and again ethanol(94%) is filled into the empty volume. After that, the content of theFalcon tube is stirred with a glass rod. After that, the sample isloosened again by means of a vortex mixer and centrifugated at the sameparameters as mentioned above. This procedure is repeated 5 times.

Subsequently, the residual moisture of the sample is determined bydrying the sample by means of supercritical CO₂ in a device such as aTousimis Autosamdri 931.

Sample Preparation II

The sample, which is dewatered according to the method according tosample preparation I, is weighted into a glass tube. Before weightingthe sample into the glass tube, the glass tube is dried and weightedwhen it is empty. After that, the sample comprised by the glass tube isdegassed during at least 24 hours at least 105° C.

Performance of the Nitrogen Adsorption Measuring/Calculation of theSurface of the Fibrous Material Comprising the Micro-Scaled and/orNano-Scaled Fibril Agglomerates

The glass tube comprising the degassed sample, wherein the degassing wasperformed by means of sample preparation II, is now arranged in asuitable measuring device, such as a Micromeritics 3Flex Version 3.01,in order to determine the nitrogen sorption isotherm. The sample mass isfor example 0.0777 g, but the sample mass can deviate from said samplemass because of the type of measuring device or because of the specificsample. The nitrogen and the helium which are used for the performanceof the measuring have a purity of 99,999%. The result of the measuringis calculated to one decimal place in m²/g (m²/lg). The calculated valueof the result is based on the BET—method according to Brunauer, Emmettand Teller which is known by person skilled in the art.

The D90-value of the length of the particles comprised by the fibrousmaterial comprising the micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibrilagglomerates is preferably in the range of 1-200 μm, more preferably inthe range of 30-150 μm, even more preferably in the range of 40-140 μm.The D90-value of the length of the particles comprised by the fibrousmaterial indicates the maximal length of 90% of the particles of thefibrous material. The calculation of the D90-value is known by theperson skilled in the art. The length of the particles is preferablydetermined by means of the standard ISO 13322-2, 1. Edition of Nov. 1,2006. Personal care compositions comprising such a fibrous material haveespecially good properties.

The D90-value of the thickness of the particles comprised by the fibrousmaterial comprising the micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibrilagglomerates is preferably in the range of 0.5-20 μm, more preferably inthe range of 1-10 μm μm, even more preferably in the range of 1-8 μm.The D90-value of the thickness of the particles comprised by the fibrousmaterial indicates the maximal thickness of 90% of the particles of thefibrous material. The calculation of the D90-value is known by theperson skilled in the art. The thickness of the particles is preferablydetermined by means of the standard ISO 13322-2, 1. Edition of Nov. 1,2006. Personal care compositions comprising such a fibrous material haveespecially good properties.

The water retention value of the fibrous material comprising themicro-scaled and/oder nano-scaled fibril agglomerates is preferably inthe range of 100-700 wt %, more preferably in the range of 150 wt %-600wt %, even more preferably in the range of 170 wt %-500 wt %, whereinthe water retention value is determined according to the informationmentioned in «T. Wolfinger, Dreidimensionale Strukturanalyse andModellierung des Kraft-Dehnungsverhaltens von Fasergefügen, TU Dresden,Fakultät Umweltwissenschaften, Dissertation submitted in November 2016».Personal care compositions comprising such fibrous material haveespecially good properties.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the fibrous material comprisingthe micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomerates comprises atleast one, preferably several, more preferably all of the propertiesselected from the group comprising the average length of themicro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomerates, the surface of thefibrous material, the percentages of the average length of the particlesof the fibrous material, the water retention value of the fibrousmaterial, the D90-value of the length of the particles of the fibrousmaterial, the D90-value of the thickness of the particles of the fibrousmaterial. All the possibilities of combination are not explicitlymentioned, but are considered as disclosed. Personal care compositionscomprising such a fibrous material have especially good properties.

Preferably the fibrous material of natural origin is obtained fromplants which are for example perennial plants, such as trees, comprisingfruit bearing trees and parts thereof, shrubs and parts thereof, seaweedand annual plants selected from the group comprising cereals, grass andfibrous vegetables, such as peas and pulses.

The fibrous material and in particular the micro-scaled and/ornano-scaled fibril agglomerates are even more preferably obtained fromhardwood, more preferably from the Eucalyptus tree, in particular fromthe Eucalyptus Urograndis tree, and/or from the beech tree. It has beenfound that the use of fibrous material comprising micro-scaled and/ornano-scaled fibril agglomerates that originates from the Eucalyptustree, particularly from the Eucalyptus Urograndis tree, and/or from thebeech tree results in a personal care composition with particularbeneficial properties. Due to the large portion of xylose in thesetrees, a personal care composition is obtained that has a particularlypleasant, smooth and silky skin feel. Furthermore, Eucalyptus trees andbeech trees are well suited due to their good availability.

Preferably, the fibrous material and in particular the micro-scaledand/or nano-scaled fibril agglomerates contain more than 10 wt % xylose,more preferably more than 15 wt % xylose, and most preferably more than20 wt % xylose, referred to the total weight of the fibrous material, inparticular of the dry fibrous material, or referred to the total weightof the micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomerates, inparticular of the dry micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibrilagglomerates, respectively. It has surprisingly been found that theamount of xylose in the fibrous material, in particular in themicro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomerates, is particularlyresponsible for the advantageous sensory features of the personal carecomposition. In this context, it has been found that a large portion ofxylose in the fibrous material, in particular in the micro-scaled and/ornano-scaled fibril agglomerates, leads to a particularly smooth andsilky feel of the composition. Surprisingly, it was found that a higherxylose content in the microscaled and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomeratesprovides a better stabilization for the composition, in particular foran emulsion, than respective fibril agglomerates with no xylose or a lowxylose content. A homogenous composition is obtained leading to thesmoother and silky feel. A better homogeneity was also observed comparedto compositions made of microcrystalline cellulose. The amount of xylosecomprised by the fibrous material is preferably measured according tothe information provided by «T. Wolfinger, DreidimensionaleStrukturanalyse and Modellierung des Kraft-Dehnungsverhaltens vonFasergefügen, TU Dresden, Fakultät Umweltwissenschaften, Dissertationsubmitted in November 2016».

According to an aspect of the invention, the fibrous material comprisingthe micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomerates is obtained fromchemically untreated plant pulp. Chemically untreated plant pulp refersto plant pulp where the cellulosic groups have not been modified

Preferably, the personal care composition comprises a liquid. Accordingto preferred embodiment, the liquid comprises water. More preferably,the liquid is water.

According to another preferred embodiment, the liquid is a proticliquid. Preferably, the protic liquid comprises water, more preferablethe protic liquid is water.

Preferably, at least a portion of the fibrous material is arranged,preferably dispersed, in the liquid, more preferably all the fibrousmaterial is arranged, preferably is dispersed, in the liquid.

Preferably, at least a portion of the micro-scaled and/or nano-scaledfibril agglomerates of the fibrous material, more preferably all themicro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomerates of the fibrousmaterial, are arranged, preferably are dispersed, in the liquid.

When being arranged, preferably dispersed, in a liquid, which liquid isfor example water or which liquid is for example a liquid comprisingwater, usually a mutual association, i.e. attraction or adherence orinteraction of the individual micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibrilagglomerates takes place, such that a gel-like material is obtained.Thus, the micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomerates,particularly if they are arranged in a liquid comprising water, moreparticularly if they are arranged in a liquid which is water, effectuatea structure, also referred to as texture, which is desired in manypersonal care compositions. Thus, the personal care compositionpreferably comprises water and the fibrous material comprisingmicro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomerates, wherein themicro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomerates are associated. Theassociated micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomerates allowparticularly well to retain e.g. functional ingredients. A furtherparticularly beneficial feature is that these textures remain unaffectedupon addition of a broad selection of cosmetic, pharmaceuticalingredients and electrolytes. Materials that can be achieved extend fromfluid materials, to self-standing gel-like materials.

Usually, if the micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomerates arearranged in a liquid, which preferably is an aqueous medium, which morepreferably is water, the individual micro-scaled and/or nano-scaledfibril agglomerates are weakly interacting and associated, which meansthat they may be dissociated from each other under moderate shearconditions, for example at shear rates higher than 0.1 s⁻¹ or higherthan 1 s ⁻¹, at 20° C., or stresses higher than 10, or higher than 50,or higher than 100 Pa, at 20° C., depending on the strength of theinteraction between the micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibrilagglomerates and the level of micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibrilagglomerates in the composition. Dissociation of the micro-scaled and/ornano-scaled fibril agglomerates from each other makes the compositionstarting to flow under the applied stress.

The personal care composition according to the invention is preferably aself-standing, gel-like material at room temperature, and also forexample at 20° C. or 25° C. or 30° C.

In the context of the present invention, the term “self-standing,gel-like material” preferably is used to describe a material which doesessentially not flow when submitted to low shear stresses. Such amaterial may, however, flow when submitted to higher shear stresses. Thestress at which the material starts to flow is referred to as the yieldstress. The yield stress may be measured using the vane technique, wherea 4 or 6 blade vane is immersed in the composition, maintained atconstant temperature, and rotated extremely slowly, typically below 0.5rpm, for example 0.1 rpm, while the stress required to maintain aconstant rotational speed is measured using a rheometer, as a functionof time. Once the composition has been deformed by the vane in such away that the stress applied exceeds the yield stress of the composition,the composition starts to flow and the force decreases. The yield stressis determined at the maximum of the stress-time curve. More informationabout the vane method may be found in A. Parker & F. Vigouroux, “TextureProfiling with the Vane: a general method for characterizing the textureof soft food”, Proc. 3rd Int. Symp. Food Rheol. Structure, P. Fischer,I. Marti and E. J. Windhab (edts), 131-136, 2003. Other methods suitablefor measuring the yield stress of the compositions according to theinvention are described in J. R. Semancik, “Yield stress measurementsusing controlled stress rheometry”, TA-Instruments documentation RH-058,available under http://www.tainstruments.com/pdf/literature/RH058.pdfweb site and in the International Standard ASTM D7836-13, “Standard TestMethods for Measurement of Yield Stress of Paints, Inks and RelatedLiquid Materials”, 2013.

The compositions according to the invention have preferably a yieldstress at 20° C. of about 10 Pa and more, more preferably about 50 Paand more and most preferably about 100 Pa and more.

The personal care compositions according to the present invention havepreferably a viscosity at 20° C. of about 100 Pa·s and more, moreparticularly of about 1000 Pa·s and more, at a shear rate of about 0.01s⁻¹ and exhibit a pronounced drop of viscosity by at least one order ofmagnitude when submitted to increasing shear rate from 0.01 s⁻¹ to 100s⁻¹. The yield stress and the viscosity may be measured by performingrheological measurements with a rheometer equipped with a thermostat,for example a Thermo Scientific HAAKE RheoStress 6000 or a TAInstruments CSL2 Controlled Stress Rheometer, or equivalent.

Advantageously, the personal care composition comprises from 0.1 to 30 wt%, preferably from 0.5 to 20 wt %, more preferably from 1 to 10 wt %,of the fibrous material comprising the micro-scaled and/or nano-scaledfibril agglomerates, referred to the total weight of the composition. Itwill be easily understood by the skilled person that the level offibrous material comprising the micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibrilagglomerates may be chosen depending on the desired texture of thepersonal care composition. Hence, for example, it may be desirable thatthe personal care composition is not too viscous or not too liquid,depending on the application of the personal care composition.Preferably, the amount of fibrous material comprised by the personalcare composition is determined by the standard ISO 4119, 1995.

In the context of the present invention, the term “personal carecomposition” preferably comprises generic skin care and hair careproducts, such as soaps, cleansing compositions, shower gels, shampoos,hair conditioners, and the like. It preferably also comprises cosmeticproducts, such as creams, body milks, facial masks, make-up anddecorative products, and the like. The term “personal care composition”also comprises cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical products that areusually applied topically.

In a preferred embodiment, the personal care composition according tothe present invention is used as a gel, a jelly, a cream-gel, a serum, asorbet, a soufflé or a mousse. These particular states of matterdifferentiate from other products like creams, ointments, and milks inthat said states of matter are characterized by different textures andaspects. In particular, these states of matter are characterized in thatthey retain their shape and thickness over time and as long as they havenot undergone any shear stresses, but may flow and spread under theaction of shear stresses, for example by rubbing the composition on theskin or on the hair. Self-standing behaviour at rest and flow behaviourunder shear stress is typical of reversible network formation in thesystem, whereas a self-standing gel without flow behaviour under shearstress is typical of irreversible network formation in the system.

Preferably, the state of matter of the personal care compositionsaccording to the present invention is characterized by a reversiblebehaviour.

A personal care composition which is easy to produce and hasparticularly advantageous properties is preferably achieved, if thefibrous material comprising the micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibrilagglomerates is obtained by performing at least the steps of:

a.) comminuting dry pulp by mechanical means;

b.) dispersing said dry comminuted pulp in a liquid; and

c.) further comminuting the dispersed pulp in the liquid to form amixture of the fibrous material comprising the micro-scaled and/ornano-scaled fibril agglomerates and the liquid, in particular by meansof a mineral material, wherein the mixture preferably is substantiallyfree of visible isolated fibrils, more preferably completely free ofvisible isolated fibrils.

By performing at least the steps a.), b.) and c.), a mixture comprisingthe liquid and the fibrous material comprising micro-scaled and/ornano-scaled fibril agglomerates can be produced which preferably is freeof visible isolated fibrils, which is more preferably completely free ofvisible isolated fibrils. This mixture itself preferably is used as abasis to produce the personal care composition which is well structuredand non-irritant with good drying properties.

The dry pulp of step a.) is preferably a dry pulp sheet or flash-driedpulp

Preferably, step a.) is performed without the addition of liquid, i.e.the dry pulp, in particular the dry pulp sheet or the flash-dried pulp,is comminuted without the addition of a liquid.

The pulp of step a.) is regarded to be dry, if it has a water contentthat is normal for the corresponding type of pulp, i.e. there are nosubstantial additions of water or any other liquid. Small additions ofwater or of another liquid can be present, as long as they do notsubstantially influence the total weight of the pulp material, i.e.preferably by not more than 15 wt %, more preferably by not more than 10wt %, even more preferably by not more than 5 wt %. The pulp material isparticularly not regarded to be dry in cases, in which it is dispersedin a liquid. The dry pulp preferably comprises at the maximum 15 wt %,more preferably at the maximum 10 wt %, even more preferably 1-9 wt %,most preferably 5 wt % to 8 wt % of water, referred to the total weightof the dry pulp, wherein the water content is measured preferably bymeans of the standard EN 20638, September 1993.

The use of dry pulp in step a.) has the advantage that metal particles,that might occur during comminution due to abrasion, do not enter intothe fibers together with the liquid. As a consequence, possible metalparticles that are present during comminution can be separated from theobtained mixture easily. The presence of metal particles in the mixtureis problematic particularly to the greying of the fibrous material andhence of the personal care composition as a result thereof. Moreover,particularly in pharmaceutical products, food products or cosmeticproducts, the presence of metal particles in the product is ofteninacceptable.

The further comminuting of step c.) is performed for example by means ofmechanical means such as high pressure homogenization or grinding withmineral grinding stones such as ball milling

Preferably, at least 10 wt %, more preferably at least 20 wt %, evenmore preferably at least 40 wt %, even more preferably at least 60 wt %,even more preferably at least 80 wt %, even more preferably at least 90wt %, even more preferably at least 95 wt %, most preferably 100 wt %,of the total weight of the fibrous material of the mixture is formed bymicro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomerates.

Preferably, the personal care composition comprises one or morefunctional ingredients, selected from the group comprising cleansingingredients, texturing ingredients, softening ingredients, emollients,hydrating ingredients, lubricating ingredients, smoothening ingredients,soothing and relaxing ingredients, exfoliating ingredients, cell renewaland anti-aging ingredients, draining ingredients, remodelingingredients, free-radical scavengers, structuring ingredients,anti-oxidant; decorative ingredients, skin levelling ingredients,epilating ingredients, whitening ingredients, deodorants, antibacterialor bacteriostatic ingredients, biological preservatives.

The one or more functional ingredient is advantageously selected fromthe group comprising synthetic polymers, natural polymers, solvents,mineral and vegetal oils, surfactants, fatty acid and fatty alcoholesters, C10-C24 fatty acids and their salts, C10-C24 fatty alcohols,alpha and beta hydroxy acids and their salts, salicyclic acid and itssalts, dicarboxylic acids and their salts, pyrrolidone carboxylic acid,proteins and peptides, collagen, glycolipides; phospholipides;sphingolipides, sterols and steroids, glycerine ethoxylate, calciumglyconate, polidocanol, urea, allantoin, caffein, pyroctone olamine,acetyl carnitine, amino acids and their derivatives, quaternary amines,alpha-lipoic acid, alkaline base, flavonoids and isoflavonoids,polyphenols, anthocyanins, minerals, organic dyes and pigments, vitaminsand their derivatives, terpenes and their derivatives, sesquiterpenesand their derivatives, triterpenes and their derivatives, ubiquinones,sequestering ingredients, UV-absorbing ingredients, antioxidants, waxesand butters, carbohydrates and sugar alcohols, and their derivatives,deodorizing ingredients, mineral and vegetal particulates, biologicalpreservatives, plant extracts, juices, essential oils and fragrances. Amore comprehensive but still not limited list of functional ingredientsis given hereinafter.

Preferably, the personal care composition comprises at least onesynthetic or natural hydrophilic polymer. The at least one synthetic ornatural hydrophilic polymer is preferably a copolymer or a terpolymerselected from the group comprising vinylpyrrolidone/acrylate copolymers,copolymers and cross-polymers derived from alkyl (meth)acrylates,(meth)acrylic acids and acrylamidodimethyltauric acid and their salts,vinylpyrrolidone/acrylamido alkylsulphonic acid copolymers and theirsalts, xanthan gum, dehydro-xanthan gum, guar gum, gum Arabic, Accaciagum, Sclerotium gum, Ceratonia siliqua gum; pullulans, glucans,glycoaminoglycanes, carraghenans, pectins, alginates, hyaluronic acidand its salts, sodium hyaluronate cross-polymers, chitosan, and mixturesthereof; and wherein the level of polymer in the composition isparticularly in the range of 0.05 and 10 wt %, more particularly in therange of about 0.1 and about 7 wt %, still more particularly in therange of about 0.25 and about 5 wt %, for example about 0.5 wt %, about1 wt %, about 2.5 wt % or about 4 wt % referred to the total weight ofthe composition.

Furthermore, the personal care composition can comprise one or moresurfactants. In a preferred embodiment, the personal care composition ofthe invention is surfactant-free.

As already mentioned, the micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibrilagglomerates and the possibly present super-structures formed therefromare usually remarkably compatible with a broad selection of cosmeticingredients, so that the incorporation of these ingredients inparticular into aqueous systems comprising the agglomerates does notrequire the use of high shear mixing devices, such as rotor-statormixers, or high pressure homogenizing devices, and can be performed atroom temperature, for example at 20 or 25° C. For the same reason, it isalso possible to obtain surfactant-free compositions by using thesemicro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomerates. The otheringredients of the personal care compositions according to the presentinvention, can be functional formulation ingredients providingtexturing, viscosity control, stability and the like, and/or cosmeticingredients providing cleansing; softening; emolliency; hydration;lubrication; smoothening; soothing; exfoliating; relaxation; cellrenewal and anti-aging action; draining, remodeling, free-radicalscavenging, structuring; styling, anti-oxidant action; decorativeeffects, such as gloss, skin evenness or hair volume; epilation,whitening; smell; deodorancy; antibacterial or bacteriostatic effect,biological preservation, and the like.

Examplary useful ingredients are listed hereunder, wherein some of theseingredients may provide one or more of the aforementioned functions.

Synthetic hydrophilic polymers are useful functional ingredients in thecontext of the present invention and may be selected from the groupcomprising

-   -   polymer and copolymers of vinyl and allyl monomers, for example        polyvinylpyrrolidone; vinylpyrrolidone/acrylate copolymers;        vinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate copolymers; polyvinylalcohol,        more particularly hydrolyzed polyvinylacetates having a degree        of hydrolysis in the range of 85 and 92%; vinyl ester        homopolymers and copolymers, such as vinyl pivalate, vinyl        versatate; polyvinyl alkyl amines, such as polyvinylmethylamine;        quaternized polyvinyl alkyl amines, vinyl pyridine and        quaternized vinyl pyridine, vinyl imidazoline, vinyl imidazole,        vinyl imidazolinium, dimethyldiallyl ammonium chloride; and        vinyl sulphonate homopolymers and copolymers;    -   polyamines and polyimines;    -   ethoxylated polyamines;    -   polymers, copolymers and cross-polymers derived from alkyl        (meth)acrylates, such as methyl methacrylate, ethyl        methacrylate, 2-ethyl-hexyl acrylate, lauryl methacrylate,        C10-C30 alkyl acrylate, and the like, hydroxyalkyl        (meth)acrylate, such as 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate and        2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate, and the like; acrylamidodimethyl        taurate; aryl (meth)acrylates, such as phenyl acrylate and        benzyl acrylate, (meth)acrylic acids and        acrylamidodimethyltauric acid and their salts, such as sodium        and potassium (meth)acrylates, sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate;        (meth)acrylamides; N-alkyl (meth)acrylamides, such as        N,N-dimethylaminoalkyl methacrylate; quaternized N-alkyl        (meth)acrylamides, such as        methacrylamidopropyl-trimethylammonium chloride;        acrylamidoethyltrimonium chloride;        acrylamidolauryltrimethylammonium chloride; and (meth)acrylamido        alkyl sulphonates;    -   maleic acid anhydride copolymers with vinyl ethers, such as        maleic anhydride/methyl vinylether copolymers;    -   polyurethanes, such as anionic, cationic non-ionic and        amphoteric polyurethanes; polyurea;    -   mixed copolymers, for example polyurethanes with polyesters,        polyacrylates, with polyvinylpyrrolidone; polyesters;        polyester/polyamide copolymers; vinylpyrrolidone/acrylamido        alkylsulphonic acid copolymers, such as        vinylpyrrolidone/acrylamido 2-methylpropane sulphonic acid        copolymers;    -   mixtures thereof.

Natural hydrophilic biopolymers or modified biopolymers that are usefulfor the sake of the present invention may be selected from the groupcomprising modified celluloses, such as carboxy methyl cellulose,hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose/lauryl-dimethylammoniumepoxy condensat, hydroxypropylcellulose, cationic cellulose (for example Polyquaternium-4), cellulosegum, starch, modified starch, such as hydrolized starch octenylsuccinate, dextrins, maltodextrins, trehalose, xanthan gum,dehydro-xanthan gum, guar gum, gum Arabic, accacia gum, sclerotium gum,ceratonia siliqua gum, guar hydroxypropyl trimethylammonium chloride,pullulans, glycans, glycoaminoglycanes, carraghenans, alginates,hyaluronic acid and its salts, sodium hyaluronate cross-polymers,glycosaminoglycanes (Chondroitin), chitosan, and mixtures thereof.

Hydrophobic polymers that are useful for the sake of the presentinvention may be selected from the group comprisingalkyldimethylsiloxanes; polymethylsilsesquioxanes; vinyl dimethiconecrosspolymers; alkylene/vinyl pyrrrolidone copolymers; polyethylene;styrene polymers and copolymers, such asstyrene/ethylene/butene/styrene, styrene/ethylene/styrene andstyrene/butylene/styrene block elastomer copolymers; polyisobutylene;and mixtures thereof.

Amphiphilic polymers that are useful for the sake of the presentinvention may be selected from the group comprising polyethyleneglycol/castor oil copolymers; ethylene glycol/propylene glycol diblockand triblock copolymers; sorbitan oleate alkyl glucoside crosspolymers;polydimethyl siloxane polymers modified with polyoxyalkylene orpolyamine moieties, such as polyethylene glycol/polypropylene glycoldimeticone; and mixtures thereof.

Mineral structuring ingredients that are useful for the sake of thepresent invention may be selected from the group comprising clays andsilicates, such as bentonites and laponites.

In a preferrred embodiment, the personal care composition of theinvention comprises at least one hydrophilic copolymer or terpolymerselected from the group comprising vinylpyrrolidone/acrylate copolymers,copolymers and cross-polymers derived from alkyl (meth)acrylates,(meth)acrylic acids and acrylamidodimethyltauric acid and their salts,vinylpyrrolidone/acrylamido alkylsulphonic acid copolymers, xanthan gum,dehydro-xanthan gum, guar gum, gum Arabic, accacia gum, sclerotium gum,ceratonia siliqua gum; pullulans, glucans, glycoaminoglycanes,carraghenans, alginates, pectins, hyaluronic acid and its salts, sodiumhyaluronate cross-polymers, chitosan, and mixtures thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the level of polymer in the composition isparticularly in the range of 0.05 and 10 wt %, more particularly in therange of about 0.1 and about 7 wt %, still more particularly in therange of about 0.25 and about 5 wt %, for example about 0.5 wt %, about1 wt %, about 2.5 wt % or about 4 wt %, referred to the total weight ofthe composition.

Solvents useful for the sake of the present invention are liquids thatmay be selected from the group comprising

-   -   alcohols, such as ethanol, propanol and isopropanol, and        mixtures thereof;    -   polyols, such as, 2-ethane diol, 1,2-propane diol, 1,3-propane        diol, dipropylene glycol, 1,4-butane diol, glycerol,        pentaerythritol (CAS: 115-77-5), 1,4-butane diol, 1,2-butane        diol, 1,2-pentane diol, 1,2-hexane diol, 1,2-heptane diol,        1,2-octane diol, and the like;    -   glycol ethers and esters, such as dipropylene glycol methyl        ether acetate (CAS: 88917-22-0), tripropylene glycol methyl        ether (CAS: 25498-49-1), dipropylene glycol methyl ether (CAS:        34590-94-8), dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether (CAS: 29911-28-2),        3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol (CAS: 56539-66-3) and the like;    -   isosorbide dimethyl ether (CAS: 5306-85-4),        (2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)methanol (CAS: 100-79-8), and        the like;    -   mixtures thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the personal care composition of theinvention comprises at least one polyol, wherein the level of at leastone polyol in the composition is in the range of 0.5 and 50 wt %, moreparticularly in the range of about 1 and about 25 wt %, still moreparticularly in the range of about 2 and about 10 wt %, for exampleabout 2 wt %, about 4 wt % or about 6 wt %, referred to the total weightof the composition.

Oils that are useful for the sake of the present invention are liquidsthat may be selected from the group comprising

-   -   mineral oils, petrolatum, hydrogenated isoparaffins,        hydrogenated polyisobutylene, and silicone oils:    -   vegetable and algae oils, such as rapeseed oil, sunflower oil,        olive oil, argan oil, apricot oil, jojoba oil, aloe vera oil,        ricinus oil, grape seed oils, hydrogenated castor oil, and the        like;    -   esters, such as isopropyl myristate, methylheptyl isostearate,        isononyl isononanoate.

In a preferred embodiment, the personal care composition of theinvention comprises at least one oil, which can particularly be anessential oil, wherein the level of the at least one oil in thecomposition is particularly in the range of 0.5 and 50 wt %, moreparticularly in the range of about 1 and about 25 wt %, still moreparticularly in the range of about 2 and about 10 wt %, for exampleabout 2 wt %, about 4 wt % or about 6 wt %, referred to the total weightof the composition.

Preservatives that are particularly useful for the sake of the presentinvention may be selected from the group comprising benzoic acid and itssalts; salicylic acid and its salts; 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and itsesters and salts; sorbic acid and its salts, formaldehyde andparaformaldehyde; biphenyl-2-ol and its salts; zinc pyrithione (CAS13463-41-7); chlorobutanol; formic acid and its salts, dibromohexamidineisethionate (CAS: 93856-83-8); Thiomersal (CAS: 54-64-8); phenylmercuricsalts; undec-10-enoic acid and its salts; Hexetidine (CAS: 141-94-6);5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane (CAS: 30007-47-7);2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (CAS: 52-51-7); dichlorobenzyl alcohol(CAS: 1777-82-8); triclocarban (CAS: 101-20-2); para-chloro-meta-cresol(CAS: 59-50-7); Triclosan (CAS: 3380-34-5), chloroxylenol (CAS:3380-34-5); imidazolidinyl urea (CAS: 39236-46-9); polyaminopropylbiguanidine (CAS: 32289-58-0/27083-27-8/28757-47-3/133029-32-0);phenoxyethanol (CAS: 122-99-6); methenamine (CAS: 100-97-0);Quaternium-15 (CAS: 4080-31-3); Climbazole (CAS: 38083-17-9);1,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-5,5-dimethylimidazolidine-2,4-dione (CAS:6440-58-0); benzyl alcohol;1-hydroxy-4-methyl-6-(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)-2 pyridon and itsmonoethanolamine salt (CAS: 50650-76-5/68890-66-4);2,2′-methylenebis(6-bromo-4-chlorophenol) (CAS: 15435-29-7);4-isopropyl-m-cresol (CAS: 3228-02-2);5-chloro-2-methyl-isothiazol-3(2H)-one/2-methylisothiazol-3(2H)-one/magnesiumchloride/magnesium nitrate mixture (CAS: 26172-55-4, 2682-20-4,55965-84-9); 2-benzyl-4-chlorophenol (CAS: 120-32-1); 2-chloroacetamide(CAS: 79-07-2); chlorhexidine (CAS: 55-56-1); chlorhexidine digluconate(CAS: 18472-51-0); chlorhexidine dihydrochloride (CAS: 3697-42-5);1-phenoxypropan-2-ol; alkyl (C12-C22) trimethyl ammonium bromide andchloride (CAS:17301-53-0/57-09-0/112-02-7/1119-94-4/112-00-5/1120-02-1/112-03-8);4,4-dimethyl-1,3-oxazolidine (CAS: 51200-87-4); diazolidinyl urea (CAS:78491-02-8); benzenecarboximidamide, 4,4′-(1,6-hexanediylbis(oxy))bis-?,and its salts (including isothionate and p-hydroxybenzoate) (CAS:3811-75-4/659-40-5/93841-83-9); glutaraldehyde;5-ethyl-3,7-dioxa-1-azabicyclo [3.3.0] octane (CAS: 7747-35-5);3-(p-Chlorophenoxy)-propane-1,2-diol (CAS: 104-29-0); sodiumhydroxymethylamino acetate (CAS: 70161-44-3); benzethonium chloride(CAS: 121-54-0); benzalkonium halides and saccharinate (CAS:8001-54-5/63449-41-2/91080-29-4/68989-01-5/68424-85-1/68391-01-5/61789-71-7/85409-22-9);phenylmethoxy-methanol (CAS: 14548-60-8);3-iodo-2-propynylbutylcarbamate (CAS: 55406-53-6);2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (CAS: 2682-20-4); ethyl lauroyl arginateHCl (CAS: 60372-77-2); citric acid, silver citrate; silver chloride;inorganic sulphites and hydrogensulphites; and mixtures thereof.

In preferred embodiment, the preservative is an Ecocert®-approvedpreservative selected from the group comprising various blends of sodiumbenzoate, potassium sorbate, benzyl alcohol, and disodium salt ofethylenediamine tetracetic acid; glyceryl caprylate; para-anisic acid;blends of benzyl alcohol, salicylic acid, glycerol and sorbic acid;combinations of sorbic acid and potassium sorbate, or benzoic acid,potassium benzoate and sodium benzoate; blends of Methylparaben (CAS:99-76-3), propylparaben (CAS: 94-13-3) and2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (Bronopol, CAS: 52-51-7); gluconolactone(CAS: 90-80-2) and sodium benzoate; dehydroacetic acid(3-acetyl-2-hydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one; CAS; 520-45-6) and benzylalcohol; and the like.

In preferred embodiment, the personal care composition of the inventioncomprises at least one preservative, wherein the level of the at leastone preservative in the composition is particularly in the range of0.0001 and 5 wt %, more particularly in the range of about 0.005 andabout 2.5 wt %, still more particularly in the range of about 0.01 andabout 1 wt %, for example about 0.05 wt %, about 0.1 wt %, or about 0.5wt %, referred to the total weight of the composition.

In a particular embodiment, the fibrous material comprising themicro-scaled fibril agglomerates and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomerates,in particular the mixture, the dry mixture or the moistened mixture, iscombined with at least one polymer, which may be synthetic or natural,at least one preservative, at least one polyol, and, optionally, an oil.The dry mixture and the moistened mixture are described further below inthis document. Compositions according to this particular embodiment arecharacterized by enhanced sensory properties, such as firm texture,pleasant aspect and improved skin feel.

Other functional ingredients may comprise surfactants selected from thegroup comprising

-   -   anionic surfactants, for example C10-C22 alkylester sulphonates,        such as alpha-sulpho fatty acid methyl esters and ethyl esters;        alkyl sulphates, such as sodium dodecyl sulphate; alkyl ether        sulphates obtained by ethoxylation of an alkyl alcohol followed        by sulphonation using sulphur trioxide; sodium alkyl        isethionate; sodium alkoyl sarcosinate, such as sodium        dodecanoyl(methyl)aminoacetate; sodium laurylglucosides        hydroxypropylsulphonate; potassium laureth phospate;    -   cationic surfactants, for example quaternized long chain alkyl        ammonium halides, such as distearyldimethylammonium chloride,        behenyltrimethylammonium chloride,        palmitamidopropyldimethyl-ammonium chloride; linoleamidopropyl        ethyldimethyl ammonium ethylsulphate, lecithin and lysolecithin;    -   cationogenic surfactants, for example fatty amines, such as        lauriminopropyldimethyl amine, tridecyl amine,        N-oleyl-1,3-propane diamine, and ethoxylated fatty amines, such        as ethoxylated N-tallow-1,3-propanediamine;    -   zwitterionic surfactants derived from the reaction between        compounds having alkyl quaternary ammonium, phosphonium, or        sulfonium groups and compounds having carboxyl, sulfonate,        sulfate, succinate, phosphate or phosphonate groups, such as for        example coco dimethylcarboxymethyl betaine, lauryl dimethyl        carboxymethyl betaine, stearyl bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)        carboxymethyl betaine; amidoalkyl, sulfoalkyl and alkyl        amidosufo betaines, such as cocoamidopropyl betaine,        cocodimethylsulfopropyl betaine, lauryl dimethyl sulfoethyl        betaine, and lauryl bis-(2-hydroxyethyl) sulfopropyl betaine;    -   amphoteric surfactants, for example sodium 3-dodecylimino        propionate and sodium 3-dodecyliminopropane sulphonate.    -   non-ionic surfactants, for example C4-C22 alkyl ethoxylates with        about 1-25 ethylene oxide units; ethoxylated/propoxylated akyl        alcohols, such as [C10] deceth-n, laureth-n and trideceth-n,        where n is an integer indicating the number average number of        ethylene oxide moieties in ethoxyl chain; castor oil ethoxylate,        alkyl dialkyl amine oxides; alkanoyl glucose amides; ethoxylated        sorbitol alkyl esters, such as sorbitol polyethylene glycol        ethers, with 3 to 30 ethoxyl groups, esterified with oleic,        myristic, stearic, palmitic acid, and the like; sorbitan        alkylate, such as sorbitan palmitate, sorbitan oleate, and the        like; polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, such as        Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 60 and Polysorbate 80; C10-C18 alkyl        amine oxides and C8-C12 alkoxy ethyl dihydroxy ethyl amine        oxides, such as N,N-dihydroxyethyl-N-stearamine oxide,        ethoxylated lauramide and lauryldimethyl-amine oxide; cocamide        diethanolamine (CAS: 68603-42-9), alkyl polyglycosides, such as        glyceryl stearate, sucrose laurate and sucrose palmitate;        ethoxylated alkyl glucose dialkyl esters, such as        polyethyleneglycol-120 methyl glucose dioleate; mono- and        dialkyl polyglycerides, such as octanoic acid hexaglyceryl        ester, riccinoleic acid hexaglyceryl ester, cocoic acids        tetraglyceryl esters, and caprylic/capric acid triglycerides;        ethoxylated hydrogenated castor oil, sorbitan olivate, cetearyl        olivate;    -   mixtures thereof.

The surfactants listed hereinabove may be admixed with C10-C24 alkylalcohols, such as cetearyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol and mixturesthereof.

Preferably, the surfactants are water-soluble or water-dispersible.

Other functional ingredients may comprise:

-   -   alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic        acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, and beta-hydroxy acid, such as        salicyclic acid (these acids may be partially or fully        neutralized in the personal care compositions, which means that        both protonated (undissociated) form and unprotonated        (dissociated) form may coexist in the composition, wherein the        counterion of the unprotonated form is usually sodium,        potassium, calcium, and the like; the same remark applies to the        salts of these acids; the same remark also applies to the other        acids as mentioned hereinunder and in the following and to their        salts);    -   pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (CAS 149-87-1, CAS 98-79-3);    -   anisic acid and its salts;    -   dicarboxylic acids, such as sebacic acid, levulinic acid, and        their salts;    -   proteins and peptides, such as collagen, heptapeptide-8,        acetylhexapeptide-3 (CAS: 616204-22-9), acetyloctapeptide-8        (CAS: 868844-74-0), palmitoyl tetrapeptide, palmitoyl        pentapeptide (CAS: 214047-00-4), progerin;    -   hydrolized soy proteins, hydrolyzed keratin;    -   lipides, such as the oils mentioned hereinabove; glycolipides;        phospholipides; sphingolipides, such as ceramides; sterols and        steroids, such as stigmasterol and β-sitosterol;    -   fatty acids and hydroxy fatty acids, and their salts and esters,        such as 10-hydroxydecanoic acid, linoleic acid, oleanolic acid,        stearic acid, potassium cocoate, potassium oleate, isopropyl        palmitate, myristyl acetate;    -   fatty alcohols, such as docosanol, 2-octyldodecanol    -   glycerine ethoxylate, such as glycereth-26 (CAS: 31694-55-0);    -   calcium gluconate (CAS: 299-28-5);    -   polidocanol (CAS: 9002-92-0) and polidocanol derivatives;    -   urea, allantoin (CAS: 97-59-6), caffein, pyroctone olamine (CAS:        68890-66-4), amino acids and their derivatives, such as        L-arginine, ergothionine and alanine, acetyl carnitine        hydrocloride (CAS: 5080-50-2), decarboxy carnosine hydrochloride        (CAS: 57022-38-5), glucosamine hydochloride (CAS: 66-84-2);    -   alpha-lipoic acid (CAS: 1077-28-7);    -   alkaline base, such triethanolamin and sodium hydroxyde;    -   flavonoids and isoflavonoids, such as epicatecine and        epicatechin gallate, epigallocatecin and epigallocatecin,        pigenin, juteolin, quercetin, apiin, isorhamnetin, patuletin,        genistein, glabrindin, soy isoflavones, and catechins;    -   polyphenols, such as resveratrol, tetrahydrobisdemethoxycurcumin        (CAS: 113482-94-3);    -   anti-oxydants, such as butylated hydroxy toluene; pentaerythryl        tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxycinamate    -   anthocyanins, such as aurantinidin, cyanidine, elphinidine,        europinidin, pelargonidin, malvidin, peonidin, petunidin and        rosinidin;    -   hydroxyphenyl propamidobenzoic acid (CAS: 697235-49-7);    -   minerals, such as titanium oxide, kaolin, mica, iron oxides,        zinc, zinc oxide, tin oxide, calcium sodium borosilicate, mica,        isopropyl titanium triisostearate (CAS: 61417-49-0);    -   organic dyes and pigments, such as Yellow 5 (Tartrazine, CAS:        1934-21-0), Red 33 (disodium        5-amino-4-hydroxy-3-(phenylazo)-naphthalene-2,7-disulfonate;        CAS: 3567-66-6);    -   vitamins and vitamin derivatives, such as panthenol, tocopherol        and tocopheryl acetate, dilauryl citrate, ascorbic acid,        niacinamide, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, tetrahexyldecyl        ascorbate, retinol, retinyl palmitate, panthenol (Vitamine B,        CAS 81-13-0);    -   terpenes, including their derivatives, such as menthol, menthyl        lactate, ethyl menthane carboxamide, limonene, eucalyptol,        cineol, camphor, borneol;    -   sesquiterpenes and triterpenes, including their derivatives,        such as bisabolol, glycyrrhetinic acic and its salts and esters,        saponins, glycyrrhetic acid and its salts and esters, stearyl        glycyrrhetinate, glycyrrhizinic acid and its salts and esters,        phytosterol;    -   ubiquinones;    -   aromatic hydrocarbons, such as azulene;    -   sequestring ingredients, such as tetrasodium glutamate        triacetate, sodium phytate (CAS: 14306-25-3/34367-89-0),        ethylene diamine tetracetic acid and salts thereof;    -   organic UV-absorbing ingredients, such as        1-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-3-(4-tert-butylphenyl)propane-1,3-dione        (CAS: 70356-09-1), butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane (CAS:        274-581-6), ethylhexyl salicylate (CAS: 118-60-5), ethylhexyl        methoxycinnamate (CAS: 5466-77-3), 3,3,5-Trimethylcyclohexyl        2-hydroxybenzoate (CAS: 118-56-9), ethylhexyl methoxycrylene        (CAS: 947753-66-4), Drometrizole trisiloxane (CAS: 155633-54-8),        (2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-(phenyl)methanone (CAS: 131-57-7),        benzophenone;    -   whitening ingredients, such as kojic acid        (5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4H-pyran-4-one, CAS: 501-30-4),        hydroquinone;    -   waxes and butters, such as bees wax, Ozokerite, Candelilla wax,        Carnauba wax, Shea butter, Shorea Stenoptera seed butter, Cocoa        seed butter, Astrocaryum murumuru seed butter;    -   carbohydrates and sugar alcohols, and their derivatives, such as        ribose; arbutin (CAS: 497-76-7), erythrulose, isomerized        saccharides, sorbitol;    -   deodorizing ingredients, such as ethylhexyl glycerins, zinc        ricinoleate, aluminium chlorohydrate, aluminium zirconium        tetrahydrochlorex glycine (CAS: 134910-86-4);    -   particulates, such as grinded nut and seed shells, such as        Macadamia shell powder and Almond shell powder, silicates,        calcium carbonate, Nylon-6 and Nylon-12 beads, polyethylene        beads, polytetrafluoroethylene beads, polylactic acid beads,        glycol montanate beads, high-melting point waxes, Carnauba wax,        rice bran wax, micro-crystalline cellulose, Oatmeal;    -   plant extracts, juices and essential oils from, Acacia        farnesiana, Acai, Ahnfeltia, Ahnfeltia concinna, Alaria        esculenta, Aleurites moluccana seed, alfalfa extract, algae,        bitter Almond, Aloe leaf, Aloe vera, Alteromonas ferment,        Althaea rosea, Althea officinalis, Anacystis nidulans, Ananas        sativus, Andiroba, Amica, Angelica root, Annato, Apple, Apricot        kernel, Arachis hypogaea extract, Arctium, Arctostaphylos uva        ursi leaf, Arjuna, Arnica, Artemia, Artemisia, Ascophyllum        nodosum, Asparagopsis armata, Astragala, Atractyloydes lancea        root, Avena sativa, Awapuhi, Babassu, bakuchiol, Bala, bamboo        shot, Banana, Bark tree, Barley grass, Beet, Benzoin, Berberis        aristata, Bergamot, Bertholletia excelsa, Beta vulgaris root,        Betula alba, Bilberry, Birch bark, Birch leaf, black Cohosh,        Blackcurrant, black Elderberry, black Loccust, black Mulberry,        black Pepper, black Raspberry, black Snakeroot, black tea,        Blackberry, Bladderwrack, blue Vervain, Boerhavia diffusa root,        Borago seed, Bugbane, Bupleurum, Burdock, butcher' s broom,        Calendula, Calluna vulgaris flower, Camphor, Cayenne, Centaurea        cyanus, Centella asiatica, Chamomile, Chrysanthemum, Cinnamon        bark, Cocash weed, Coriander, Corn flower, Cornus, Coughweed,        Cranberry seed, Curcumin, Cypress, Dandelion, Dogwood,        Echinacea, Elder flower, Epilobium angustifolium, Eucalyptus,        Evodia rutaecarpa, Fennel, Feverfew, Filipendula rubra,        Fireweed, Flaxseed, Fu Ling, Gentiana, Geranium, Ginger root,        Ginkgo, Ginseng, Gotu kola, grape seed extract, green tea,        Gromwell, Honey, Honeysuckle flower, Horse chestnut, Ilex        paraguariensis, Jasmine, Juniper, Jujube, Haw, Hawthorne,        Helianthus, Jasmine, Kava kava, Kawa, Laminaria ochroleuca,        Lamium album flower, Lappa, Lavender, Leontopodium alpinum,        Lemon, Lemon peel, Lemon grass, Licorice, Life root, Lime tree,        Lin, Linden flowers, Lithospermum erythrorhizon, Lonicera, Lotus        seed, Mallow, Marshmallow, Marigold, Marjoram, Mate, Meadow        sweet, Morinda citrifolia, Nettle leaf, Niaouli, Noni, Oat bran,        Oat kernel, Oat straw, Oenothera biennis, Orange, Orange        blossom, Passion flower, Peru balsam, Pine, Pineapple, Primrose,        Pancy, Panish sage, Perilla, Persicaria hydropiper, Phyllanthus        emblica fruit, Physalis, Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae, Picea        abies, Poria cocos, Portulaca oleracea extract, Propolis,        Prunella vulgaris, Ragwort, red Clover, Roman chamomile, rose,        Rosmary, Salici, Salix alba bark, Sapindus mukurossi peel,        Scutellaria baicalensis, See whip, Senecio, Skullcap, Slippery        elm bark, Soap berry, Spiraea ulmaria, Spruce, Squaw root, Squaw        weed, St. John's wort, Tamanu, Tea tree, Thyme, Turmeric, Ulva        lactuca, Uncaria tomentosa, Vaccinium macrocarpon fruit,        Valerian root, Vanilla planifolia fruit, Violet, White birch,        Wild yam, Wintergreen, Witch hazel, Wormwood, Yarow, Yerba mate,        Ylang Ylang, Yohimbe, Yucca; and/or    -   fragrances, such as terpene alcohols and esters, cycloalkyl        esters and ketones, alkyl and aromatic aldehydes, oxides,        ketals, and the like.

Other functional ingredients may be found in the list of InternationalNomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) of the Personal CareProducts Council, available for example athttp://www.makingcosmetics.com/articles/INCI-list.pdf, or in theInternational Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients Handbook, 16^(th)edition, J. Nikitakis and B. Lange (editors), Personal Care ProductsCouncil, 2016, ISBN 1-882621-55-7.

The personal care composition according to the invention may alsocomprise any topical pharmaceutical ingredient for human and veterinaryuse that is soluble or suspendable in the composition. Suitablepharmaceutical ingredients include, but are not limited to:

-   -   antihistamines such as diphenhydramine HCl, tripelennamine and        pyrilamine maleate, diphenhydramine hydrochloride and        chlorpheniramine maleate;    -   corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone, dexamethasone,        flumethasone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, clobetasol        propionate, betamethasone benzoate, betamethasone dipropionate,        diflorasone diacetate, fluocinonide, mometasone furoate, and        triamcinolone acetonide;    -   anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as carprofen, diclofenac,        diflunisal, etodolac, fenoprofen, flufenamic acid, fluocinolone        acetonide, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketorolac,        meclofenamate, mefenamic acid, nabumetone, naproxen, oxaprozin,        oxyphenbutazone, phenylbutazone, piroxicam, meloxicam,        pirprofen, salsalate, sulindac, tenoxicam, tiaprofenic acid,        tolmetin, triamcinolone acetonidebetamethasone valerate,        celecoxib, fluocinonide, hydrocortisone, and sodium salicylate,        etofenamat, heparin;    -   antibiotics, such as penicillins, tetracyclines, cephalosporins,        quinolones, lincomycins, macrolides, sulfonamides,        glycopeptides, aminoglycosides, arbapenems;    -   antimicrobial or bacteriostatic ingredients, such as neomycin,        gentamycin, polymyxin and clindamycin, benzoxonium chloride;    -   antifungals such as miconazole nitrate, clotrimazole, nystatin        and haloprogin;    -   anesthetic ingredients lidocaine, dibucaine, benzocaine and        pramoxine HCl, prilocaine;    -   analgesic ingredients, such as glycol salicylate, methyl        salicylate, 1-menthol, d,1-camphor and capsaicin; and/or    -   steroids and triterpenes, such as anabolic steroid, androgenic        steroid, corticosteroid, glucocorticoid, gonadotropin, human        growth hormone, progesterone, progestogen, and progestogen and        estrogen, enoxolone;

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the personal carecomposition, which in this case is preferably a gel, a gel mask or asorbet mask, comprises

a.) 0.1 to 30 wt %, preferably 0.5 to 20 wt %, more preferably 1 to 10wt %, of the fibrous material comprising the micro-scaled and/ornano-scaled fibril agglomerates, referred to the total weight of thecomposition;

b.) up to 25 wt %, preferably up to 10 wt %, of one or more polyolsreferred to the total weight of the composition;

c.) up to 5 wt %, preferably 0.005 to 2.5 wt %, of one or morepreservatives, referred to the total weight of the composition;

d.) one or more functional ingredients being different from the one ormore polyols mentioned under b.) and different from the one or morepreservatives mentioned under c.); and

e.) water, which is preferably deionized water, and which advantageouslycompletes the composition to 100 wt %.

In a particular embodiment, the personal care composition of theinvention is a self-standing gel having a homogeneous, translucent andaqueous aspect and providing a cool and slightly wet feel on the skinabsorption, and which may be applied as a mask, for example a facialmask. Gel masks according to this particular embodiment are well suitedfor the topical delivery of functional cosmetic ingredients mentionedhereinabove to the skin and are useful as a delivery system foringredients and compositions for the treatment and regulation of topicaldisorders of facial area skin, such as excess fat reduction, venousinsufficiency, stretch marks, rosacea, acne, pimples, skin redness,wrinkles, varicose veins, cellulite, age-spots, skin aging, and thelike. The gel mask may also comprise exfoliating ingredients andparticulate materials and used as scrub. Alternatively, the gel mask mayhave the aspect of a sorbet having an inhomogeneous, finely bumpytexture, transluscent aspect. The level of fibrous material comprisingmicro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomerates in the gel mask or asorbet mask is preferably in the range of 0.1 to 35 wt %, for example0.5 wt %, 1 wt %, 1.5 wt %, 5 wt %, 10 wt %, 20 wt % or 30 wt % referredto the total weight of the gel mask or the sorbet mask.

In a specific embodiment, the gel mask or sorbet mask comprises:

-   -   a) 0.1 to 30 wt %, preferably 0.5 to 20 wt %, more preferably 1        to 10 wt %, of the fibrous material comprising micro-scaled        and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomerates referred to the total        weight of the gel mask or sorbet mask;    -   b) Up to 25 wt %, preferably up to 10 wt %, of a one or more        polyols referred to the total weight of the gel mask or sorbet        mask;    -   c) 0.0001 to 5 wt %, preferably about 0.005 to about 2.5 wt %,        of one or more preservative referred to the total weight of the        gel mask or sorbet mask;    -   d) One or more functional cosmetic ingredients, preferably        selected from but not limited to the groups mentioned in this        document, and being different from the one or more polyols        mentioned under b) and different from the one or more        preservatives mentioned under c);    -   e) Water completes the gel mask or sorbet mask to 100 wt %.

In a particular embodiment, the personal care composition of theinvention is a cream-gel having a homogeneous, translucent milky aspect,and providing a cool and silky feel on the skin, and a fast absorprtioninto the skin under application. Such a cream-gel may be used as topicalformulation of the delivery of cosmetic ingredients and compositions forvarious treatments, as depicted in this document. The level of fibrousmaterial comprising micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomeratesin the cream-gel is preferably in the range of 0.1 to 10 wt %, forexample 0.25 wt %, 0.5 wt %, 1 wt %, 2.5 wt %, 5 wt % or 7.5 wt %,referred to the total weight of the cream-gel.

In the context of the present invention, the term “translucent milky” isused to describe a material that is substantially opaque but stillpermits some light to pass through thin portions of it, for exampleclose to the surface or when applied in layers. The translucent milkyaspect is also referred to “opalescent” or “perlescent”.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the personalcare composition, which in this case is preferably a cream-gel or aserum, comprises

a.) 0.1 to 10 wt %, preferably 0.5 to 10 wt %, more preferably 1 to 5 wt%, of the fibrous material comprising the micro-scaled and/ornano-scaled fibril agglomerates, referred to the total weight of thecomposition;

b.) up to 25 wt %, preferably up to 10 wt %, of one or more polyolsreferred to the total weight of the composition;

c.) up to 5 wt %, preferably 0.005 to 2.5 wt %, of one or morepreservatives referred to the total weight of the composition;

d.) one or more functional ingredients being different from the one ormore polyols mentioned under b.) and different from the one or morepreservatives mentioned under c); and

e.) water, which is preferably deionized water, and which advantageouslycompletes the composition to 100 wt %.

In a particular embodiment, the personal care composition of theinvention is a cream-gel having a transparent to traslucent to milkyaspect at rest and becoming transparent under application on skin.

In a particular embodiment, the personal care composition of theinvention is a minimalist formulation consisting of:

-   -   a) The fibrous material comprising micro-scaled and/or        nano-scaled fibril agglomerates; and    -   b) optionally a preservative; and    -   c) not more than 11 functional ingredients, preferably not more        than 9 functional ingredients, more preferably not more than 7        functional ingredients, even more preferably not more than 5        functional ingredients selected from the group comprising        synthetic and natural polymers, polyols, solvents, mineral and        vegetal oils, surfactants, fatty acid and fatty alcohol esters,        C10-C24 fatty acids and their salts, C10-C24 fatty alcohols,        alpha and beta hydroxy acids and their salts, salicyclic acid        and its salts, dicarboxylic acids and their salts, pyrrolidone        carboxylic acid, proteins and peptides, collagen, glycolipides;        phospholipides; sphingolipides, sterols and steroids, glycerine        ethoxylate, calcium glyconate, polidocanol, urea, allantoin,        caffein, pyroctone olamine, acetyl carnitine, amino acids and        their derivatives, quaternary amines, alpha-lipoic acid,        alkaline base, flavonoids and isoflavonoids, polyphenols,        anthocyanins, minerals, organic dyes and pigments, vitamins and        their derivatives, terpenes and their derivatives,        sesquiterpenes and their derivatives, triterpenes and their        derivatives, ubiquinones, sequestering ingredients, UV-absorbing        ingredients, antioxidants, waxes and butters, carbohydrates and        sugar alcohols, and their derivatives, deodorizing ingredients,        mineral and vegetal particulates, plant extracts, juices,        essential oils and fragrances; and    -   d) water.

According to a another preferred embodiment of the invention, thepersonal care composition comprises

-   -   a) one or more preservatives; and    -   b) not more than 11 functional ingredients, preferably not more        than 9 functional ingredients, more preferably not more than 7        functional ingredients, even more preferably not more than 5        functional ingredients selected from the group comprising        synthetic and natural polymers, solvents, mineral and vegetal        oils, surfactants, fatty acid and fatty alcohol esters, C10-C24        fatty acids and their salts, C10-C24 fatty alcohols, alpha and        beta hydroxy acids and their salts, salicyclic acid and its        salts, dicarboxylic acids and their salts, pyrrolidone        carboxylic acid, proteins and peptides, collagen, glycolipides;        phospholipides; sphingolipides, sterols and steroids, glycerine        ethoxylate, calcium glyconate, polidocanol, urea, allantoin,        caffein, pyroctone olamine, acetyl carnitine, amino acids and        their derivatives, quaternary amines, alpha-lipoic acid,        alkaline base, flavonoids and isoflavonoids, polyphenols,        anthocyanins, minerals, organic dyes and pigments, vitamins and        their derivatives, terpenes and their derivatives,        sesquiterpenes and their derivatives, triterpenes and their        derivatives, ubiquinones, sequestering ingredients, UV-absorbing        ingredients, antioxidants, waxes and butters, carbohydrates and        sugar alcohols, and their derivatives, deodorizing ingredients,        mineral and vegetal particulates, biological preservatives,        plant extracts, juices, essential oils and fragrances; and    -   c) water, which is preferably deionized water.

In the context of the present invention, the sensory features of thepersonal care composition can be assessed by panelists, for example bysubjectively answering a sensory testing inquiry form, according tomethods known to the art (see for example Peter Busch, ThomasGassenmeier, “Evaluation of Cosmetics by Sensory Assessment”, in“Cutaneous Biometrics”, D. A. Schwindt and H. I. Maibach (Edts),Springer, 2000, pages 65-80).

The current invention also relates to a method to produce the personalcare composition as indicated above. The method comprises at least thesteps of

a.) comminuting dry pulp by mechanical means;

b.) dispersing said comminuted dry pulp in a liquid; and

c.) further comminuting the pulp dispersed in the liquid to form amixture of a fibrous material comprising micro-scaled and/or nano-scaledfibril agglomerates and the liquid, wherein the further comminutingpreferably is performed by means of a mineral material, wherein themixture preferably is substantially free, more preferably completelyfree, of visible isolated fibrils.

The method preferably comprises the additional step of:

d.) adding at least one functional ingredient to the mixture.

The method mentioned above allows to produce personal care compositionswhich are substantially free of visible isolated fibrils, in particularcompletely free of visible isolated fibrils. These personal carecompositions are particularly well structured and non-irritant and havegood drying properties.

In particular the mixture can be used as a basis material forformulating personal care compositions in general, in particular thepersonal care composition according to the invention. This is inparticular the case if the liquid of the mixture comprises water, inparticular if the liquid is water.

In order to produce a personal care composition, in particular thepersonal care composition according to the invention, it is particularlypreferred to use the mixture of a liquid, which preferably compriseswater, which more preferably is water, and the fibrous materialcomprising micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomerates, whereinthe mixture preferably is substantially free of visible isolatedfibrils, more preferably is completely free of visible isolated fibrils.Personal care compositions produced on the basis of such mixtures areparticularly well structured and non-irritant and have good dryingproperties.

The pulp of step a.) is regarded to be dry, if it has a water contentthat is normal for the corresponding type of pulp, i.e. there are nosubstantial additions of water or any other liquid. Small additions ofwater or of another liquid can be present, as long as they do notsubstantially influence the total weight of the pulp material, i.e.preferably by not more than 15 wt %, more preferably by not more than 10wt %, even more preferably by not more than 5 wt %. The pulp material isparticularly not regarded to be dry in cases, in which it is dispersedin a liquid. The dry pulp preferably comprises at the maximum 15 wt %,more preferably at the maximum 10 wt %, even more preferably 1-9 wt %,most preferably 5 wt % to 8 wt % of water, referred to the total weightof the dry pulp, wherein the water content is measured preferably bymeans of the standard EN 20638, September 1993.

Preferably, the step a.) is performed without the addition of liquid,i.e. the dry pulp, in particular the dried pulp sheet or the flash-driedpulp, is comminuted without the addition of a liquid.

In a preferred embodiment, the mixture comprises fibrous materialcomprising micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomerates, whereinthe level of the fibrous material in the mixture is in the range from0.1 to 40 wt %, preferably in the range from 1 to 30 wt %, morepreferably in the range from 1 to 20 wt %, even more preferably in therange from 2 to 10 wt %, referred to the total weight of the mixture.

The fibrous material comprising the micro-scaled fibril agglomeratesand/or nano-scaled fibril agglomerates is preferably made from plants,more particularly from the pulp of plants, still more particularly fromthe pulp of wood, still more particularly from the pulp of hardwood,still more particularly from the pulp of the Eucalyptus tree, inparticular from the pulp of the Eucalyptus Urograndis tree, and/or fromthe pulp of the beech tree.

In a preferred embodiment, the fibrous material comprising themicro-scaled fibril agglomerates and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomeratesis preferably obtained from the pulp of hardwood, wherein the fibrousmaterial contains low levels of lignin, for example less than 2 wt %referred to the total weight of the fibrous material or less than 1 wt %of lignin referred to the total weight of the fibrous material and/orpreferably more than about 10 wt % of xylose, more preferably more than15 wt % of xylose, referred to the total weight of the dry fibrousmaterial. The amount of xylose comprised by the fibrous material ispreferably measured by the information provided by «T. Wolfinger,Dreidimensionale Strukturanalyse and Modellierung desKraft-Dehnungsverhaltens von Fasergefügen, TU Dresden, FakultätUmweltwissenschaften, Dissertation submitted in November 2016».

The level of lignin of the fibrous material may be assessed by methodsknown to the art, such as, for example the method according to thestandard TAPPI T222 om-02 of June 16, 2006, which is incorporated hereinby reference.

The liquid used for dispersing the dry pulp preferably has a boilingtemperature at normal pressure (101325 Pascal) of less than 100° C.,more preferably a boiling temperature at normal pressure (101325 Pascal)in the range of 50 to less than 100° C., even more preferably in therange of 50° C. to 90° C. The boiling temperature of less than 100° C.provides the advantage that the liquid can be removed from the fibrousmaterial without damaging the micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibrilagglomerates. The boiling point of at least 50° C. provides theadvantage that the danger of ignition of the liquid is reduced.

According to a preferred embodiment, the liquid is acetone, hexane,cyclohexane, Freon-11, dioxane, t-butyl methyl ether, dimethoxymethane,chloroform, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, tetrahydrofuran, 2-butanone,1,2-dimethoxyethane, acetonitrile, and mixture thereof, or a non-aqueousprotic solvent, such as ethanol, or isopropanol, or an azeotropicmixture. The use of such liquids to produce the mixture provides theadvantage that the mixture can be further used to manufacture thepersonal care composition.

According to another preferred embodiment, the liquid is an aproticliquid or a protic liquid, preferably a protic liquid.

Protic liquids that are useful for the sake of the present invention maybe selected from the group comprising water, ethanol, isopropanol,1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, glycerol,pentaerythritol (CAS: 115-77-5), and mixture thereof. Preferably theprotic liquid comprises water. More preferably the protic liquid iswater.

Due to the fact that the state of the micro-scaled and/or nano-scaledfibril agglomerates is insensitive to small amounts of ions in water,both deionized and tap water can be used to produce the dispersioncomprising the micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomerates foruse in personal care composition, although, for cosmetic uses, deionizedor distilled water is preferred.

However, water-free liquids may also be preferred for certain productformats, such as balms, primers, deodorant sticks, lip sticks, and thelike.

In a further step, the mixture is preferably dried in order to form adry mixture comprising the fibrous material comprising the micro-scaledand/or nano-scaled fibril agglomerates. The dry mixture comprises asolids content preferably in the range of 70 wt % to 100 wt %, morepreferably in the range of 80 wt % to 97 wt %, even more preferably inthe range of 85 wt % to 95 wt %, referred to the total weight of the drymixture. The liquid content, in particular the water content, of the drymixture preferably is determined by means of standard EN 20638 ofSeptember 1993. The dry mixture is preferably in powder form.Furthermore, the dry mixture is preferably substantially free, morepreferably completely free, of visible isolated fibrils.

According to a preferred embodiment, the dry mixture is further used assuch to produce the personal care composition. According to anotherpreferred embodiment, a liquid is added to the dry mixture again inorder to form a moistened mixture. The liquid can be the same or anotherliquid as the one used for dispersing the dry pulp. In order to dispersethe dry mixture in the liquid, preferably a low shear mixer, such as apaddle mixer or a propeller mixer, is used, meaning the dry mixture isdispersed without the use of high shear mixing equipment, such as sawtooth dissolver, rotor-stator homogenizer or high-pressure homogenizer.According to another preferred embodiment, the moistened mixture isfurther used to produce the personal care composition.

The dry mixture as well as the moistened mixture allow to producepersonal care compositions which are well structured and non-irritantwith good drying properties.

If the dry mixture or the moistened mixture is substantially free ofvisible isolated fibrils, in particular completely free of visibleisolated fibrils, such a mixture allows to produce a personal carecomposition which is particularly well structured and non-irritant withgood drying properties.

In a preferred embodiment, the mixture comprises up to 5 wt % of apreservative referred to the total weight of the mixture.

The mixture is preferably a dispersion, more preferably an aqueousdispersion. The aqueous dispersion is usually translucent, owing to thepresence of light-diffusing micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibrilagglomerates.

In the context of the present invention, the term “translucent” is usedto describe a material permitting light to pass through but diffusing itso that objects disposed on one side of the material are not clearlyvisible on the opposite side.

Preferably, the personal care composition is prepared by further usingthe mixture, the dry mixture or the moistened mixture, as a basismaterial, wherein all other ingredients of the personal care compositionto be produced are admixed to the mixture, to the dry mixture or to themoistened mixture.

According to a preferred embodiment, the personal care compositions isproduced by further adding at least one functional ingredient, inparticular any of the functional ingredients mentioned in this document,to the mixture, to the dry mixture or to the moistened mixture undermild conditions of temperature, preferably room temperature, and withoutthe need of rotor-stator or high-pressure homogeneization means.

In a preferred embodiment, the selected functional ingredients are addedsequentially to the mixture comprising the liquid and the fibrousmaterial comprising the micro-scaled fibril agglomerates and/ornano-scaled fibril agglomerates, to the dry mixture or to the moistenedmixture.

In a particular embodiment, the sequential addition of the functionalingredients into the mixture comprising the fibrous material comprisingmicro-scaled fibril agglomerates and/or nano-fibril agglomerates and aliquid, wherein the liquid preferably comprises water, into the drymixture or into the moistened mixture, is achieved by preferablyperforming the steps in the order of:

-   -   1) If required, adding the polyol to the mixture, to the dry        mixture or to the moistened mixture under gentle agitation;    -   2) Adding the preservative to one of said mixtures of the        preceding step under gentle agitation;    -   3) If required, adding the hydrophilic polymer(s) and/or the        water-soluble or water-dispersible surfactant(s) under gentle        agitation to the mixture of the preceding step until said        polymer(s) and/or surfactant(s) are homogeneously dispersed in        the mixture    -   4) If required, adding the oil(s) and/or other hydrophobic        ingredients to the mixture of the preceding step and dispersing        said oil(s) and/or hydrophobic ingredients by using dissolver or        disperser, until a homogeneous pre-emulsion is obtained;    -   5) If required, adding demineralized water to the mixture of the        preceding step under gentle agitation until the desired product        consistency is obtained;    -   6) If required, adding the fragrance to any of the preceding        mixtures.

The method mentioned hereinabove differentiates from the state of theart in that at no instance a high pressure or roto-statorhomogeneization means is required to disperse the functional ingredientsin the mixture, the dry mixture or the moistened mixture.

It will be easily understood by the person skilled in the art that somefreedom exists as to the way a multitude of different functionalingredients may be formulated in the mixture, the dry mixture or themoistened mixture to provide the personal care compositions according tothe invention.

Accordingly, the person skilled in the art, based on experimental trialsand applying methods known to the art, will be able to draw the bestprocedure for each composition falling within the scope of the presentinvention. For example, the water-soluble or water-dispersibleingredients may be added before or after the hydrophobic ingredients areadded, although, preferably, the hydrophilic ingredients are added priorto the addition of the hydrophobic ingredients. Solid water-soluble orwater-dispersible ingredients are preferably added prior to the additionof the hydrophobic ingredients. The ingredients that are soluble ordispersible in an apolar medium are preferably admixed with thehydrophobic ingredients or added after these hydrophobic ingredientshave been added.

It will also be easily understood by the person skilled in the art thatif the mixture, the dry mixture or the moistened mixture comprises aliquid, which does not contain any water, different functionalingredients may be required and the way to incorporate these ingredientsinto the mixture, the dry mixture or the moistened mixture may also bedifferent in comparison the a mixture, a dry mixture or a moistenedmixture comprising a liquid comprising water.

It will also be easily understood by the person skilled in the art, thatthe personal care compositions according to the invention may be used invarious cosmetic and personal care applications, such as cleansing,moisturizing, relaxing/soothing, repairing, filling, conditioning,rejuvenating, decorating, as well as various formats and products,comprising creams, such as skin repair creams, anti-wrinkle creams;serums; body milks; in-shower body lotions; cream-gel, such as hydratingcream-gels, soothing gels, cool revival gels; gel masks, such as facemask; sorbets; souffles; jellies; mousses; gel-to-water products;cream-to-water products; massage emulsions; elixirs; scrubs; water-baseddecoration products, such as water-based mascara and blur, concealers;facial and body cleansing gels; shampoos; hair conditioners; stylingproduct, hair replacer, bath and shower gels; sprayable lotions, such assunscreen lotions; deodorizing compositions; antiperspirants, and thelike.

It will be also easily understood by the skilled in the art person thatthe possible level of any functional cosmetic ingredient in the abovepersonal care compositions will depend on the nature of the functionalingredient, on the magnitude of the desired benefit provided by thisingredient, on formulation-dependent factors such as solubility andmutual compatibility, as well as on external factors, such as price andregulatory provisions.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the followingwith reference to the drawings and to examples, which only serve forillustration purposes, but have no limiting effects. In the drawings itis shown:

FIG. 1 a view of isolated microfibrils, obtained by means of an electronmicroscope at a magnification of 10′000;

FIG. 2 a view of a part of a micro-scaled fibril agglomerate which isfree of visible isolated fibrils, obtained by means of an electronmicroscope at a magnification of 10′000;

FIG. 3 a flow chart depicting a method to produce an inventive personalcare composition

FIG. 4 several examples of micro-scaled fibril agglomerates comprised bya fibrous material which is comprised by the personal care compositionaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 5 microscopic images of a composition with microfibrillatedcellulose containing no xylose (A) and different xylose contents (B-D);and

FIG. 6 microscopic images of the composition of FIG. 5C compared to acomposition comprising microcrystalline cellulose.

FIG. 3 shows a flow chart in which method steps of an inventive methodfor producing a personal care composition are illustrated.

A cellulose-containing material selected from wood 1 a or annual plant 1b, or a combination thereof are processed to pulp 3 a or 3 b accordingto a conventional method known to the skilled person. The pulp 3 a, 3 bis preferably in the form of pulp plates or by flash-dried pulp. If woodis used, preferably the Eucalyptus tree, in particular the EucalyptusUrograndis tree, and/or the beech tree is used.

Specifically, the pulp can also be obtained for example from fruits suchas citrus fruits or apples, cereals such as wheat or maize, grass orfiber containing vegetables such as peas, pulses or carottes. The personskilled in the art knows how to process a pulp based on these startingsubstances.

If wood 1 a is used as the original cellulose containing material, it isusually first reduced to wood chips 2 a and then, e.g. by purelymechanical means or by means of a purely chemical treatment or by meansof a combination thereof, to the pulp 3 a. Thus, the wood is delignifiedand frayed, meaning that the fibers are separated from the original woodstructure.

Then, a rough comminution 4 of the pulp 3 a and/or 3 b, which ispreferably in the form of pulp plate or flash-dried pulp, referred to aspulp material thereafter, is carried out. In doing so, the pulp material3 a, 3 b is preferably comminuted in its dry state, meaning nosubstantial amount of liquid, preferably no liquid, is added to the pulpmaterial 3 a, 3 b before or during the rough comminution 4. During step4, the pulp material 3 a, 3 b can for example have a water content ofabout 5 to 8 wt %, for example 7 wt %, referred to the total weight ofthe pulp material 3 a, 3 b. Preferably, the water content is determinedby the standard EN 20638 of September 1993. The average fiber length ofthe pulp material 3 a, 3 b is preferably in the range of 0.6 mm to 6 mm.The average fiber length preferably is determined by the standard TAPPIT271 pm-91 of the year 1991.

The rough comminution 4 can for example be carried out by means of afine gridding mill (dry mill), a cutting mill, a hammer mill, a mixer, ashredder and/or an impact mill. There is no need to use a pulper beforeor during the step of rough comminution 4.

After the step of rough comminution 4, the pulp material preferably ispresent in the form of a powder, i.e. a loose material. The watercontent of the pulp material after step 4 is still the same or at leastnot substantially greater than the one of the pulp material 3 a, 3 b.The average fiber length of the pulp material after the roughcomminution 4 is preferably in the range of 0.025 mm-6 mm, morepreferably in the range of 0.4 mm-1.7 mm Preferably, the average fiberlength is preferably determined by the standard TAPPI T271 pm-91 of theyear 1991.

Between the rough comminution 4 and the pre-treatment 5, it is forexample possible to treat the roughly comminuted pulp material by meansof TEMPO-oxidation or a carboxymethylation.

The roughly comminuted pulp material is then brought to thepre-treatment 5. During the pre-treatment 5, the pulp material isdispersed in a liquid, such as those mentioned hereinabove. It is alsopossible to use an enzyme during the pre-treatment 5, such as acellulose. This dispersion comprising the pulp material and the liquidis further comminuted in the step of fine comminution 6. The finecomminution 6 can for example be carried out in a refiner, a ball mill,a homogenizer, an ultrasound device, a microfluidizer, a jet-collisiondevice and/or a cryocrushing device. Particularly preferred is a refinercomprising cutting means made from a mineral material such as corundum,diamond or silicon carbide. Mineral materials always have a microroughness even in case of abrasion of the cutting means. Thus, becauseof their permanent micro roughness, the cutting means made from mineralmaterials always retain their cutting abilities. In the state of theart, cutting means made of metal are used. This provides thedisadvantage of metal abrasion. Metal particles are not desired in thepersonal care composition according to the invention.

The result of the fine comminution 6 is a mixture comprising the liquidand a fibrous material comprising micro- and/or nano-scaled fibrilagglomerates. This mixture can be used as a basis to manufacture theinventive personal care composition.

The average length of the micro-scaled fibril agglomerates comprised bythe fibrous material is in the range of 500 nm-1000 μm, more preferablyin the range of 500 nm-600 μm, and even more preferably in the range of500 nm-200 μm, wherein the average length is preferably determinedaccording to standard ISO 13322-2, 1. Edition of Nov. 1, 2006 which isincorporated herein as reference.

The average length of the nano-scaled fibril agglomerates comprised bythe fibrous material is in the range of 10 nm-500 nm.

The micro-scaled fibril agglomerates, as exemplary shown in FIG. 4,represent a component of the inventive personal care composition. FIG. 2shows an exemplary view of a part of a micro-scaled fibril agglomeratewhich is present in the personal care composition according to theinvention. The FIG. 2 is obtained by an electron microscope at amagnification of 10′000. The typical network-structure being presentinside of the micro-scaled fibril agglomerate can clearly be seen. Thenetwork is formed by a plurality of fibrils which are comminuted beinginterconnected among each other. The part of the micro-scaled fibrilagglomerate is substantially, in the view of FIG. 2, even completely,free of visible isolated fibrils, because the fibrils are only presentin reduced sizes and are bound in the networks forming the micro-scaledfibril agglomerates. For comparison, in FIG. 1 conventional cellulosematerial produced according to a state-of-the-art method is shown at thesame magnification-factor. Therein, the individual isolated fibrils areobviously visible and do not form a common network or structure. Nointerconnections are present between the fibrils as shown in FIG. 2.Such micro-scaled fibril agglomerates are particularly suited to producethe personal care composition according to the invention since personalcare compositions produced by means of such micro-scaled fibrilagglomerates are particularly are well structured and non-irritant withgood drying properties.

Instead of directly using the mixture to manufacture the personal carecomposition, the mixture can be dried, for example thermally dried, suchas spray dried, optionally under negative pressure and/or mechanicallydried. These types of drying are particularly preferred since they donot negatively influence the quality of the micro-scaled and/ornano-scaled fibril agglomerates, i.e. the micro-scaled and/ornano-scaled fibril agglomerates for example do not or only slightlyagglomerate themselves during the drying process. In particular, thenegative influence of the drying process on the quality of themicro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomerates can be kept low if aliquid is used for the production of the micro-scaled and/or nano-scaledfibril agglomerates which has a boiling temperature at normal pressure(101325 Pascal) of less than 100° C., more preferably a boilingtemperature at normal pressure (101325 Pascal) in the range of 50° C. toless than 100° C., even more preferably in the range of 50° C. to 90° C.The boiling temperature of less than 100° C., in particular of less than90° C., provides the advantage that the liquid can be removed from themixture without to damage the micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibrilagglomerates. The boiling point of at least 50° C. provides theadvantege that the danger of ignition of the liquid during production isreduced. The dry mixture comprises a solids content preferably in therange of 70 wt % to 100 wt %, more preferably in the range of 80 to 97wt %, even more preferably in the range of 85 to 95 wt %, referred tothe total weight of the dry mixture.

This dry mixture can directly be used to manufacture the personal carecomposition according to the invention. Alternatively, the dry mixturecan also be redispersed in a liquid to form a remoistened mixture. Thisremoistend mixture can also be used to manufacture the personal carecomposition. The remoistened mixture preferably comprises a solidscontent in the range of more than 0 wt % to 40 wt % referred to thetotal weight of the remoistened mixture. A remoistened mixturecomprising such a solids content allows to produce a personal carecomposition which is well structured and non-irritant with good dryingproperties.

FIG. 5 shows a comparison of similar compositions with microfibrillatedcellulose. The microfibrillated cellulose was obtained from differentraw materials and comprises either no xylose, a small amount of xyloseor a high amount of xylose. All compositions contained 1.51%microfibrillated cellulose compared to the total weight of thecomposition. The formulation of the compositions is as follows: 46 wt %suspension of microfibrillated cellulose (consistency ofmicrofibrillated cellulose 3.39%, 1.51 wt % microfibrillated cellulosebased on the total weight of the composition); glycerine 2 wt % (fromInterchimie), 0.8 wt % preservative (Mikrokill COS from Lonza); 4 wt %emulsifier (Sepinov EMT10 from Seppic); 46 wt % water, 0.2 wt % perfumeand 4 wt % argan oil.

The suspension of microfibrillated cellulose, gylcerine, preservativeand emulsifier were mixed until a homogenous suspension was obtained.The argan oil was added under medium stirring (500 rpm) for one minute.The water was added under high stirring (1000 rpm), followed by theperfume.

The microscope images were recorded with a Bresser LCD Microscope 9.8 cm(3.5″) and a magnification of 500. The compositions were applied onmicroscope slides and covered with a cover slip. The black bar indicatedin the right corner of each image equals 5 μm. FIG. 5A shows therespective image with microfibrillated cellulose without xylose content.The oil droplets are clearly visible and are unevenly distributed withinthe composition. Further, the oil droplets have different dimensions.FIG. 5B shows a composition with microfibrillated cellulose containing 8wt % xylose. The oil droplets are more evenly distributed in the waterphase compared to FIG. 5A, but are still not entirely homogenous andstill different in size. In contrast, FIG. 5C, showing a respectivecomposition with a xylose content in the microfibrillated cellulose of15 wt % according to the invention, shows an even distribution of theoil droplets in the water with a substantially even size distributionleading to a homogenous mixture. FIG. 5D shows a composition with 20 wt% xylose, revealing a similar even distribution as shown in FIG. 5C. Thecomposition of FIG. 5A and the composition of FIG. 5C was furthersubjected to a panel of 19 panelists for evaluation of the skin feel. 16panelist out of 19 preferred composition C over A, equivalent to 84.2%preferred C over A (15.8%).

FIG. 6 shows a comparison between the composition of FIG. 5C (FIG. 6A)and a composition comprising microcrystalline cellulose (FIG. 6B)instead of microfibrillated cellulose. Measurements and concentrationsare the same as defined in respect of FIGS. 5A-D. As can be derived fromFIG. 6B, microcrystalline cellulose provides a composition with a lesseven distribution of the oil droplets in water. The oil droplets arealso different in size. Thus, the composition of FIG. 6B is lesshomogenous compared to a composition with microfibrillated cellulose anda xylose content of 15 wt %.

In the following, examples are given how to obtain the desired personalcare composition according to the present invention. These examples mustbe taken as a non-limiting illustration of possible ways to obtain thepersonal care composition according to the present invention.

EXAMPLES

In the examples, an aqueous dispersion means a dispersion of a fibrousmaterial comprising micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomeratesin a liquid containing water with a defined weight percentage of thefibrous material referred to the total weight of the aqueous dispersion.

Example 1 Minimalist Gel Bases Example 1.1

0.25 wt % potassium sorbate and 0.25 wt % sorbic acid are added to 95.5wt % of an aqueous dispersion containing 3.3 wt % (referred to theaqueous dispersion) of fibrous material comprisingmicro-scaled and/ornano-scaled fibril agglomerates. Then 1 wt % glycolic acid, 1 wt %lactic acid and 1 wt % (±)-2-hydroxyoctanoic acid and 1 wt %water-soluble collagen are dissolved in the preserved aqueousdispersion, under gentle stirring with a paddle stirrer. Then the systemis let to settle until a translucent gel is formed. The level of fibrousmaterial comprising micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomeratesin the total composition is 3.15 wt % referred to the total weight ofthe composition. The sum of the weight percentages of all ingredients inthe composition is 100 wt %.

Example 1.2

0.4 wt % phenoxanol and 0.2 wt % ethylglycerin are added to 96.63 wt %of the aqueous dispersion containing 3.3 wt % (referred to the aqueousdispersion) of fibrous material comprising micro-scaled and/ornano-scaled fibril agglomerates under gentle stirring. Then 2 wt %salicylic acid, 1.3 wt % (±)-2-hydroxyoctanoic acid and 0.05 wt % sodiumhyaluronate are dissolved in the preserved aqueous dispersion, undergentle stirring with a paddle stirrer. Then the system is let to settleuntil a surfactant-free, translucent gel is formed. The level of fibrousmaterial comprising micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomeratesin the total composition is 3.19 wt % referred to the total weight ofthe composition. The sum of the weight percentages of all ingredients inthe composition is 100 wt %.

Example 1.3 Minimalist Gel Base for Facial Mask

4 wt % glycerin is added to 90.6 wt % of the aqueous dispersioncontaining 3.3 wt % (referred to the aqueuous dispersion) of fibrousmaterial comprising micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomeratesunder gentle stirring. 0.4 wt % phenoxyethanol, 0.2 wt % ethylglycerinand 0.4 wt % methyl parabene are added to this mixture under gentlestirring. Then 4 wt % poly(sodiumacryloyldimethyltaurate-co-vinylpyrrolidone) copolymer is added to thepreceding mixture and the system is gently stirred until a homogeneousmass is obtained. Then the system is let to settle until a translucent,surfactant-free gel is formed. The level of fibrous material comprisingmicro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomerates in the totalcomposition is 3.0 wt % referred to the total weight of the composition.The sum of the weight percentages of all ingredients in the compositionis 100 wt %.

Example 2 Minimalist Cream-Gel Bases Example 2.1

2 wt % glycerin is added to 46 wt % aqueous dispersion containing 3.3 wt% (referred to the aqueous dispersion) of fibrous material comprisingmicro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomerates under gentlestirring. 0.3 wt % phenoxyethanol, and 0.2 wt % ethylglycerin and 0.2 wt% methyl parabene are added to this mixture under gentle stirring. Then1 wt % poly(sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate-co-vinylpyrrolidone)copolymer is added to the preceding mixture and the system is gentlystirred until a dense homogeneous gel mass is obtained. Then 4 wt %Argan oil is added to the mass under vigorous agitation with a dissolveruntil a homogenous gel-like emulsion is formed. Then 46 wt % water isadded to form a transluscent, surfactant-free milky cream-gel. The levelof fibrous material comprising micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibrilagglomerates in the total composition is 1.5 wt % referred to the totalweight of the composition. The sum of the weight percentages of allingredients in the composition is 100 wt %.

Example 2.2

A concentrated aqueous dispersion containing 10 wt % (referred to theconcentrated aqueous dispersion) of fibrous material comprisingmicro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomerates is diluted 3.85times with deionized water under gentle stirring to obtain a dilutedaqueous dispersion containing 2.6 wt % (referred to the diluted aqueousdispersion) of fibrous material comprising micro-scaled and/ornano-scaled fibril agglomerates. 97.48 wt % of this diluted aqueousdispersion is placed in a vessel. 0.5 g of collagene is added undergentle stirring until a homogeneous mass is obtained. 0.02 wt % ofBRONOPOL are added to this mixture under gentle stirring. Then, 0.5 wt %of poly(sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate-co-vinylpyrrolidone) copolymer isadded to the preceding mixture and the system is gently stirred until adense homogeneous gel mass is obtained. Finally 1.5 wt % Argan oil isadded to the mass under vigorous agitation with a dissolver until ahomogenous gel-like emulsion is formed. The level of fibrous materialcomprising micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomerates in thetotal composition is 2.53 wt % referred to the total weight of thecomposition. The sum of the weight percentages of all ingredients in thecomposition is 100 wt %.

Example 3 Body Milk

0.33 wt % phenoxyethanol, 0.25 wt % ethylglycerin and 0.3 wt % methylparabene are added to 28.5 wt % of the aqueous dispersion containing 3.3wt % of fibrous material comprising micro-scaled and/or nano-scaledfibril agglomerates under gentle stirring. Then 0.52 wt % poly(sodiumacryloyldimethyltaurate-co-vinylpyrrolidone) copolymer is added to thepreceding mixture and the system is gently stirred until a densehomogeneous gel mass is obtained. Then 2.5 wt % Advocado oil and 1.5 wt% isononyl isononaoate are added to the mass under vigorous agitationwith a dissolver until a homogenous gel-like emulsion is formed. Then65.8 wt % water is added to form a transluscent, surfactant-free milkycream-gel to which 0.3 wt % fragrance is added.The level of fibrousmaterial comprising micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomeratesin the total composition is 0.94 wt % referred to the total weight ofthe composition. The sum of the weight percentages of all ingredients inthe composition is 100 wt %

Example 4 Sensory Results Sensory Results

A cream-gel according to example 2.2 was submitted to a panel of 16panellists for evaluation. The test was strictly monadic and no guidancewas given as of a particular way to apply the product. Freedom was givento each panellist to select a benchmark from the market place. Themagnitude of each sensory attribute was evaluated on a scale from 0(minimum) to 5 (high). The pleasantness of each sensory attribute wasalso evaluated on scale from 0 (unpleasant) to 5 (very pleasant). Theresults are reported in Table 1 and 2.

TABLE 1 Sensory assessment during application of the cream-gel AttributeMagnitude Pleasantness Sample homogeneity 5 5 Skin penetration 4 5 Wetfeeling 3 4 Cooling effect 2 4 Stickiness 2 5

TABLE 2 Sensory assessment after application of the cream-gel AttributeMagnitude Pleasantness Residues on skin 2 5 Skin appearance 4.5 5 Skinfeel 4 4 Skin tightness 0 4 Compatibility with make-up 5 5

The panellists selected the following benchmarks from the market place:Nivea hand cream, Nivea lotion, Avéne, Matis créme raffermissante,Lancôme Hyda Zen, Nuxe Nuxuriance Sérum Concentré, Redensifiant Antiage,Dexeryl créme.

As apparent from the sensory results in Table 1 and 2, as well as fromthe selection of benchmarks proposed by the panellists, the positioningof the cream-gel according to the invention in the cosmetic landscape isexcellent.

REFERENCE NUMERALS 1a wood 1b annual plant 2a wood chips 3a pulpmaterial 3b pulp material 4  rough comminution 5  pre-treatment 6  finecomminution

1. A personal care composition comprising, a liquid and a fibrousmaterial of natural origin obtained from plants, wherein the fibrousmaterial comprises micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomerates,wherein the micro-scaled fibril agglomerates have an average length inthe range of 500 nm-1000 μm, wherein the nano-scale fibril agglomerateshave an average length in the range of 10 nm to 500 nm, and wherein thefibrous material contains more than 10 wt % xylose referred to the totalweight of the fibrous material.
 2. The composition according to claim 1,wherein the composition is substantially free of visible isolatedfibrils.
 3. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the fibrousmaterial is obtained from the Eucalyptus tree or from the beech tree. 4.The composition according to claim 1, wherein the fibrous material isobtained from chemically untreated plant pulp.
 5. The compositionaccording to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises from 0.1 to 30wt % referred to the total weight of the composition.
 6. The compositionaccording to claim 1, comprising a.) 0.1 to 30 wt % of the fibrousmaterial referred to the total weight of the composition; b.) up to 25wt % of one or more polyols referred to the total weight of thecomposition; c.) up to 5 wt % of one or more preservatives referred tothe total weight of the composition; d.) one or more functionalingredient being different from the one or more polyols mentioned underb.) and different from the one or more preservatives mentioned under c);and e.) water to complete to 100 wt %.
 7. The composition according toclaim 1, comprising: a.) optionally one or more preservatives; and b.)one or more functional ingredients selected from the group consisting ofsynthetic polymers, natural polymers, solvents, polyols, surfactants,fully or partially neutralized alpha-hydroxy acids, fully or partiallyneutralized beta-hydroxy acids, fully or partially neutralizeddicarboxylic acids, fully or partially neutralized hyaluronic acid,C10-C24 fatty acids and their salts and their esters, C10-C24 fattyalcohols and their esters, glycerine ethoxylates, proteins and peptides,collagen, glycolipids, phospholipids, sphingolipides, sterols andsteroids, allantoin, caffein, amino acids and their derivatives,quaternary amines, alkaline bases, flavonoids and isoflavonoids,polyphenols, anthocyanins, organic dyes, pigments, vitamins and theirderivatives, terpenes and their derivatives, sesquiterpenes and theirderivatives, triterpenes and their derivatives, ubiquinones, waxes andbutters, carbohydrates and sugar alcohols, and their derivatives,mineral and vegetal particulates, bentonites, Diatomea earth, kaolin,titan dioxide; and c.) optionally one or more plant extracts, one ormore plant juice, one or more essential oil and/or a perfume; and d.)water.
 8. The composition according to claim 1, comprising at least onesynthetic or natural hydrophilic polymer.
 9. The composition accordingto claim 8, wherein the at least one synthetic or natural hydrophilicpolymer is a copolymer or a terpolymer selected from the groupcomprising vinylpyrrolidone/acrylate copolymers, copolymers andcross-polymers derived from alkyl (meth)acrylates, (meth)acrylic acidsand acrylamidodimethyltauric acid and their salts,vinylpyrrolidone/acrylamido alkylsulphonic acid copolymers; xanthan gum,dehydro-xanthan gum, guar gum, gum Arabic, Accacia gum, Sclerotium gum,Ceratonia siliqua gum; pullulans, glycans, glycoaminoglycanes,carraghenans, alginates, pectins, hyaluronic acid and its salts, sodiumhyaluronate cross-polymers, chitosan, and mixtures thereof; and whereinthe level of the polymer in the composition is in the range of 0.05 and10 wt % referred to the total weight of the composition.
 10. Thecomposition according to claim 1, comprising at least one polyol,wherein the level of the at least one polyol in the composition is inthe range of 0.5 to 50 wt % referred to the total weight of thecomposition.
 11. The composition according to claim 1, comprising atleast one oil, wherein the level of the at least one oil in thecomposition is in the range of 0.5 to 50 wt % referred to the totalweight of the composition.
 12. The composition according to claim 1,comprising one or more surfactant(s).
 13. A method to produce a personalcare composition comprising a liquid and a fibrous material of naturalorigin obtained from plants, comprising at least the steps of a.)comminuting dry pulp by mechanical means; b.) dispersing said comminutedpulp in a liquid; and c.) further comminuting the pulp dispersed in theliquid to form a mixture comprising the liquid and the fibrous materialcomprising micro-scaled and/or nano-scaled fibril agglomerates, whereinthe micro-scaled fibril agglomerates have an average length in the rangeof 500 nm-1000 μm, and wherein the nano-scale fibril agglomerates havean average length in the range of 10 nm to 500 nm; wherein the fibrousmaterial contains more than 10 wt % xylose referred to the total weightof the fibrous material.
 14. The method according to claim 13,comprising the additional step of: d.) adding at least one functionalingredient to the mixture.
 15. The method according to claim 13, whereinin step a.) the dry pulp is comminuted without the substantial additionof a liquid.
 16. (canceled)
 17. The composition according to claim 1,wherein the micro-scaled fibril agglomerates have an average length inthe range of 500 nm to 600 μm.
 18. The composition according to claim 1,wherein the fibrous material contains more than 15 wt % xylose referredto the total weight of the fibrous material.
 19. The compositionaccording to claim 3, wherein the fibrous material is obtained from theEucalyptus Urograndis tree.
 20. The composition according to claim 5,wherein the composition comprises from 0.5 to 20 wt % of the fibrousmaterial referred to the total weight of the composition.
 21. The methodaccording to claim 13, wherein in step c.), the pulp is furthercomminuted by means of a mineral material.